Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Secret Service Pulls 22 Card Skimmers Across Baltimore in Two-Day Sweep

Maryland plans a tap-to-pay upgrade for vulnerable EBT cards by 2026.

Overview

  • Agents and local partners inspected more than 3,000 point-of-sale terminals, gas pumps, and ATMs at 493 businesses on Oct. 22–23.
  • Federal officials estimate the action prevented roughly $22.9 million in potential losses.
  • No arrests were announced, with some cases remaining under investigation after the device seizures.
  • EBT cards lacking chip or tap features are a prime target for skimming, and the state has approved a contract to transition EBT to tap-to-pay by 2026.
  • The Baltimore effort formed part of roughly 20 coordinated operations nationwide, with assistance from city and county police and the Maryland Department of Human Services.