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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 26, 2026Miami-Dade

U.S. Secret Service and Homestead Police target credit card skimmers in South Florida businesses

The U.S. Secret Service and Homestead Police are conducting operations to identify and remove illegal card-skimming devices from payment terminals in local businesses. These devices, which are often designed to look identical to legitimate card readers, allow criminals to steal credit, debit, and EBT card information from unsuspecting customers.

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Why It Matters

Residents face potential financial loss and identity theft when using payment terminals at local retailers, while taxpayers bear the cost when government-issued EBT benefits are stolen through these fraudulent devices.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. Secret Service and Homestead Police are actively inspecting payment terminals at local businesses for skimming devices.
  • Skimming devices are often designed to mimic legitimate card readers, making them difficult for customers and employees to detect.
  • Criminals use physical distractions, such as holding a tray in front of a terminal, to install these devices.
  • Skimming devices are being found at retail checkout counters and gas station pumps.
  • EBT cards are specifically targeted by criminals, leading to the theft of government-provided benefits.
  • The theft of EBT benefits results in direct costs to taxpayers, as the government must reimburse victims for stolen funds.
  • Authorities advise that skimming devices can capture data from both inserted and swiped cards.
  • Local businesses like Mexico Market have reported incidents where employees successfully identified and stopped suspects attempting to install devices.

Who's Mentioned

locationWest Miami“Location where surveillance footage was captured.”personBetty Coats“A local resident and victim of credit card fraud.”organizationMexico Market“A business where employees successfully prevented a skimming attempt.”organizationDollar Tree“Retailer inspected by authorities.”personSergio Carballo“Manager at Mexico Market.”organizationU.S. Secret Service“Leading the investigation into card skimming.”organizationDollar General“Retailer inspected by authorities.”locationHomestead“Primary location of the investigation.”personJason Harris“Representative from the U.S. Secret Service.”organizationHomestead Police Department“Partnering with the Secret Service to inspect local businesses.”