News

ATM, gas pump skimming gets attention from Secret Service in S.C.

April 22, 2010

WPDE-TV, Channel 15 (South Carolina) reportsthat the Secret Service in South Carolina is describing skimming attacks as one of the most significant problems facing the card industry.

"Fraudulent transactions frequently occur within 24 to 48 hours of a compromise, but most cardholders are not aware that they have been victimized until they receive statements showing the fraudulent charges," Michael Williams, Special Agent in charge of the U.S. Secret Service Columbia Field Office, reportedly said. "That's why one important step every individual can take is to pay attention when your credit card is used at the point of sale terminal."

In recent weeks, agents from the Secret Service have discovered skimming devices on ATMs located in Columbia, SC. The skimming devices were attached to external card readers. This particular group of suspects is associated with a Bulgarian criminal group that has compromised bank accounts in Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois and South Carolina.

The U.S. Secret Service has taken a lead role in the emerging arena of cyber crime and establishing partnerships with the public and private sectors to address protection of critical infrastructures, Internet intrusions and associated fraud.