The U.S. Secret Service is urging Alaska consumers to remain vigilant due to an ongoing skimming scam affecting credit, debit, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) card accounts. The warning follows reports of Alaskan SNAP users, including Talkeetna residents, discovering their benefits had been drained by skimming devices.
Glen Peterson, a Secret Service special agent from the Seattle Field District, emphasized that this issue is widespread. “We’ve conducted operations in Alaska, Florida, Alabama, California, and Chicago,” said Peterson. “Our goal is to raise public awareness and offer preventive advice to protect consumers and businesses.”
In August, the Secret Service partnered with state and local authorities to conduct an outreach operation in Alaska focused on skimming and electronic benefit transfer (EBT) fraud. Among over 1,750 point-of-sale terminals inspected, two skimming devices were found on gas pumps and ATMs.
Peterson noted that sophisticated Eastern European criminal groups are typically behind these scams, which makes them difficult to combat. He advises consumers to report any unusual account activity immediately and remain aware of potential skimming risks.
Tips to Avoid Skimming Scams:
- Use ATMs located inside banks, in security-monitored areas, or near drive-up windows.
- Check for signs of tampering, like broken lights, raised or loose PIN pads, or unusual stickers.
- Shield your PIN entry to prevent hidden cameras from capturing it.
For SNAP card fraud, affected users should contact the Alaska Department of Health to seek assistance with replacing stolen funds and file a report with local law enforcement.
“These victims are deeply impacted,” Peterson said, recognizing the essential need for these benefits. “The federal government is here to help, and we’re taking this seriously.”