The US Secret Service has issued a renewed warning to Alaska consumers regarding an ongoing credit and debit card skimming scam. Several Mat-Su area residents, including Talkeetna grocery shoppers, reported depleted Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program benefit accounts prompting the announcement.
According to Glen Peterson, a special agent with the Secret Service, this problem is not unique to Alaska. “We’ve done these operations in Alaska, Florida, Alabama, California and Chicago,” he said. Peterson further emphasized the significance of educating the public about avoiding falling prey to such scams and how companies can shield their clients.
In August, in collaboration with state and local law enforcement, the Secret Service conducted an outreach operation to tackle payment card skimming and electronic benefit transfer fraud. During the investigation, the Secret Service found two skimming devices hidden in gas pumps and ATMs after inspecting over 1,750 point-of-sale terminals.
Peterson emphasized that sophisticated Eastern European criminal groups carried out many of these scams, making resolving the issue more challenging. He urged consumers to report suspicious activity when they notice something off in their accounts. He also advised people to be alert for signs of tampering on ATMs, such as unusual stickers or raised PIN pads.
Peterson recommended using ATMs inside banks or those with visible security cameras, to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of an Alaska card skimming scam, He also suggested shielding your PIN when entering it to prevent hidden cameras from capturing the number.
For those who suspect SNAP card fraud, contacting the Alaska Department of Health is essential for replacing stolen funds. Peterson emphasized that reporting the crime to local law enforcement is critical for federal assistance.
This news was originally published by Alaska´s News Source.
