Secret Service Cracks Down on Billions in EBT and ATM Skimming Fraud

Transnational crime groups targeted in multi-state operations, including in Hampton Roads

Feb. 4, 2026 at 5:55pm

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The U.S. Secret Service is leading a nationwide crackdown on massive fraud schemes involving the theft of billions of dollars through the use of skimming devices on ATMs and point-of-sale terminals that target EBT cards, debit cards, and credit cards. Michael Peck, Assistant Special Agent in Charge with the Secret Service, says these transnational organized crime groups have the technical expertise to steal card data and then use or sell the information, leading to an ongoing game of cat-and-mouse as agents make arrests only to see new operatives take their place.

Why it matters

EBT fraud and ATM skimming can have devastating financial impacts on vulnerable individuals and families who rely on government assistance programs like SNAP. The scale of these fraud schemes, estimated in the billions annually, also poses a significant threat to the integrity of the financial system. The Secret Service's efforts aim to disrupt these organized criminal networks and protect consumers.

The details

The Secret Service is conducting 30 operations across the country to target illegal ATM skimming activities. In Virginia, EBT cards are used by SNAP recipients to access their benefits. Peck says the transnational crime groups strategically place skimming devices on gas station pumps, point-of-sale terminals, and ATMs to steal card data, which they then use to create counterfeit cards and cash out or sell the information.

  • The Secret Service's crackdown on EBT and ATM skimming fraud is an ongoing, nationwide effort.

The players

Michael Peck

Assistant Special Agent in Charge with the U.S. Secret Service.

U.S. Secret Service

A federal law enforcement agency that investigates financial crimes in addition to its more well-known role in protecting high-ranking government officials.

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What they’re saying

“Many people think of the Secret Service, and they think of protection. You know the president, vice president, dignitaries, et cetera. But we also have a very large investigative mission as well.”

— Michael Peck, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service

“Billions... annually”

— Michael Peck, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service

“These groups know how to specifically target, they know what they're looking for, and they have the technical know-how, in order to steal card data, and then put it on new white plastic, or plastic, and then cash out, or use the numbers, or sell them.”

— Michael Peck, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service

“Arresting one subject, they're already looking to place another person in their place to continue criminal operations.”

— Michael Peck, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service

“Looking for things that seem out of place, security features that may be missing, or brand-new security features that shouldn't be there.”

— Michael Peck, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service

What’s next

The Secret Service is planning operations in Hampton Roads, Virginia, as part of their nationwide crackdown on EBT and ATM skimming fraud, though they are not providing details to avoid tipping off the criminal groups they are targeting.

The takeaway

The scale of the EBT and ATM skimming fraud schemes, estimated in the billions of dollars annually, highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement, financial institutions, and the public to combat these sophisticated transnational organized crime groups and protect vulnerable consumers.