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

U.S. Secret Service and Homestead Police inspect South Florida businesses for card skimming devices

The U.S. Secret Service and Homestead Police Department are conducting inspections of payment terminals at local businesses to identify and remove illegal card skimming devices. These devices, which are often difficult to detect, capture sensitive credit, debit, and EBT card information from unsuspecting shoppers.

law enforcementconsumer protectionfraudpublic safetyEBT
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10 – Main Feed

Why It Matters

Card skimming results in direct financial loss for consumers and requires taxpayer-funded reimbursement for stolen government benefits, impacting both individual security and public funds.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. Secret Service and Homestead Police are actively searching South Florida businesses for illegal card skimming devices.
  • Criminals use physical obstructions, such as silver pans, to hide the installation of skimming devices on payment terminals.
  • Skimming devices are designed to look nearly identical to legitimate card readers and keypads.
  • Devices capture data from cards that are swiped or inserted into the terminal.
  • Inspections have targeted Dollar General, Dollar Tree, and smaller local businesses like Mexico Market.
  • Skimming devices have also been identified on gas pumps.
  • EBT cards are specifically targeted by criminals, leading to the fraudulent diversion of government benefits.
  • Taxpayers bear the cost when the government must reimburse victims for stolen benefit funds.

Who's Mentioned

personBetty Coats“Shopper interviewed regarding credit card fraud.”organizationMexico Market“Local business in Homestead where tampering was reported.”organizationDollar Tree“Retailer where terminals were inspected.”personSergio Carballo“Manager of Mexico Market in Homestead.”organizationU.S. Secret Service“Federal agency leading the investigation into skimming devices.”organizationDollar General“Retailer where terminals were inspected.”personJason Harris“Representative of the U.S. Secret Service.”organizationHomestead Police Department“Local law enforcement agency assisting in the operation.”personJolena Esperto“Local 10 reporter covering the operation.”