NYC Bodegas Targeted in Crackdown on Credit Card and EBT Skimming Scams

Joint Law Enforcement Operation

• 🚨 A coordinated crackdown is underway involving the Secret Service, USDA, and NYPD to combat widespread scams targeting bodegas across New York City.
• 🎯 The operation focuses on devices used to steal credit card numbers and, increasingly, funds from EBT cards, which are crucial for low-income assistance programs.

How Skimming Scams Work

• 💳 Skimmers are devices, often disguised as regular card readers, that are placed on or inside credit card processing machines to capture customer data.
• 🧩 A specific type, a "clone device," is used to process benefit EBT cards by mimicking legitimate store terminals, allowing thieves to steal funds directly.
• ⚠️ EBT cards are particularly vulnerable as they lack the protective chips found on credit cards, making the pilfered money difficult to recover for cardholders.

Scope and Impact of the Scams

• 🌐 The Secret Service is leading a national initiative against transnational organized crime groups responsible for these scams, which cost an estimated $18 billion annually nationwide.
• 🏢 Law enforcement is targeting over 700 stores citywide, with a focus on community awareness and enforcement against locations using clone terminals.
• 🔍 The Secret Service's involvement stems from its historical mandate to combat financial crimes, including following the money stolen through methods like skimmers on card readers and ATMs.