U.S. Secret Service Conducts Card Skimmer Sweep in Anchorage

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – The U.S. Secret Service has recently carried out a two-day initiative in Anchorage aimed at detecting illegal card-skimming devices in various locations, including businesses, gas pumps, and ATMs. This operation concentrated on safeguarding individuals who receive government benefits. Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael Peck noted that Secret Service teams inspected between 100 and 200 businesses, checking point-of-sale systems for hidden skimmers while also providing educational outreach to retailers.

This is the third instance of such an operation in Anchorage, with previous efforts recovering two skimmers while inspecting 819 gas pumps, 159 ATMs, and 1,537 point-of-sale terminals, thus preventing an estimated $2.1 million in potential losses. During the current operation, which involved checking 164 terminals, no skimmers were found, highlighting the effectiveness of their outreach efforts. Peck emphasized the importance of preventing fraud, especially for vulnerable benefit recipients, and acknowledged the collaboration with local law enforcement and other agencies in combating these crimes.