Scammers are deploying increasingly sophisticated credit card skimmers across the state, with Mesa Police reporting multiple cases in which criminals installed devices in as little as three seconds. The skimmers—often paired with tiny hidden cameras—capture both card data and PIN numbers, allowing thieves to drain accounts or sell stolen information on the black market.

In one Mesa case, a suspect disguised himself as a painter to install a skimmer at a bank drive‑through ATM. He then moved a trash can to block other lanes, forcing drivers to use the compromised machine. Detectives say criminals are especially targeting EBT cards, timing their thefts around monthly benefit reloads.

Losses Reach Into the Billions

The financial toll is staggering. The FBI estimates more than $1 billion is stolen annually through skimming schemes nationwide. The U.S. Secret Service reports that many operations are run by organized criminal groups based overseas, including in Eastern Europe.

In 2025, federal agents conducted 22 nationwide operations, inspecting nearly 60,000 ATMs, gas pumps, and point‑of‑sale terminals. They removed 411 illegal skimming devices, preventing an estimated $428 million in potential losses.

Emotional Toll on Victims and Businesses

Investigators say the impact extends far beyond financial loss. During a Boston inspection, agents discovered a skimmer inside a small bakery. The owner became visibly upset, fearing for customers who had unknowingly used the compromised terminal.

Secret Service analysts say they routinely meet victims during inspections—many of whom lost their EBT funds and struggled to replace essential groceries and household items.

Where Skimmers Are Most Common

According to federal and local authorities, skimmers are most frequently found at:

• ATMs
• Gas pumps
• Point‑of‑sale terminals in retail stores

Hundreds of devices were removed in Arizona last year alone, and officials warn that many businesses are unaware their machines have been compromised.

Protecting Yourself

Law enforcement agencies recommend:
• Inspecting card readers for loose parts
• Avoiding machines with broken security seals
• Covering the keypad when entering a PIN
• Using credit instead of debit when possible
• Choosing well‑lit, high‑visibility fuel pumps and ATMs
Authorities urge anyone who suspects skimming activity to report it immediately.

Source: ABC 15