Credit Card Devices Pulled From U.S. Grocery Stores as Identity Theft Cases Surge at Checkout

Credit card skimming drained an estimated $420 million from Americans in 2025, prompting the Secret Service to remove more than 400 skimming devices nationwide. Jennifer Nissen, resident agent in charge, confirmed the widespread problem. “We do have a significant issue with skimmers,” she told Fox affiliate WALA. Local law enforcement agencies across Alabama continue discovering the devices at retail locations.

The devices look nearly identical to regular card terminals, with only minor tweaks that shoppers rarely spot. Criminals slip overlays onto payment machines that grab account details when cards get swiped or inserted. Some even come with fake security stickers to seem official. Police and sheriff’s departments across Mobile and Baldwin County have pulled these devices from local stores in recent months.

Nissen said international organized crime networks run most of these schemes. “Almost all those funds are going overseas; almost all the skimmers are coming from overseas,” she explained. Coordinated groups install the devices on terminals, pull off the stolen data, and sell it to other criminals. “They sell it. Most of those actors are overseas,” Nissen said.

EBT Cardholders Face the Highest Risk

Americans who use Electronic Benefits Transfer cards get hit the hardest, according to Nissen. These cardholders usually lose between $300 and $1,000 each time. “They’re maybe getting $300 or $1,000; they’re not getting a large dollar amount,” she said. For people already living paycheck to paycheck on benefits, even these relatively small thefts can mean the difference between eating and going hungry.

For families living off benefit cards, losing even a few hundred dollars means real trouble. Nissen told WALA that when these cardholders lose money, it’s incredibly impactful for them. Drained accounts mean no groceries, no way to feed their kids. Meanwhile, the stolen money ends up overseas with the criminal networks that make and distribute these skimming devices across American stores.

The whole operation works like a business. Criminal groups plant the skimmers, grab the data, and sell customer information to buyers who make fake cards or drain accounts. “They sell it. Most of those actors are overseas,” Nissen said. The funds and stolen data flow to international networks operating the schemes.

Secret Service Launches Two-Day Enforcement Operation

The Secret Service teamed up with local police for a two-day initiative, hitting 400 businesses to hunt for skimmers and show owners what to watch for. Agents wanted to yank out any devices already planted and teach managers how to spot tampering so they’d check their machines more often. The hope is that store staff can catch these things faster.

During the sweep, agents pulled devices they found and walked business owners through what tampering actually looks like. Managers learned to check their card terminals regularly for weird features or parts that wiggle. The training helped them learn what normal equipment should look like versus stuff that’s been messed with. Regular checks could stop skimmers from sitting there for weeks.

The Secret Service also wants shoppers to stay sharp when they pay. Nissen told people to use contactless payment if they can. “See if you can tap to pay,” she said. Before sliding your card in, check the terminal for anything that looks off. “If there is something obviously wrong, if the keyboard doesn’t look right or you notice something loose on there,” report it immediately.

Simple Steps Can Protect Against Card Theft

Nissen said people need to look carefully at payment terminals before using them. Check if keyboards match the ones at other registers nearby, or if parts seem wobbly or don’t line up right. Anything suspicious should be reported right away. “You should definitely notify the business,” she said. Store managers can then check the equipment and contact authorities if something’s wrong.

Contactless payment gives you better protection since it skips the card slot where criminals stick their devices. Tap-to-pay with your phone or contactless card means you never have to insert anything into a potentially rigged terminal. The skimmer can’t grab your information if your card never goes near it, even if someone managed to plant a device without getting caught.

Pulling 400 skimming devices nationwide marks significant progress, but the fight isn’t over since criminals keep putting out new ones. Business owners need to check their terminals regularly and train employees to spot tampering. Shoppers who stick to tap-to-pay and report sketchy-looking terminals help protect themselves and everyone else from these criminal operations targeting Americans at checkout.