Police Department, Federal Partner Conduct Skimmer Detection Operation

Published on July 29, 2026

West Palm Beach Police Department, Federal Partner Conduct Skimmer Detection Operation

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (July 29, 2026) — The West Palm Beach Police Department, in partnership with the United States Secret Service, recently conducted a citywide operation to detect credit card skimming devices at retail locations and fuel pumps while educating businesses on how to identify and report the devices.

During the operation, investigators visited multiple retailers throughout the city and screened checkout card readers and fuel pumps for skimming devices. No skimming devices were located during the operation.

Checkout skimmers are typically designed as overlays placed on point-of-sale terminals and often have wireless transmission capabilities. They can be found at a variety of businesses, including grocery stores, convenience stores, and other retailers.

Fuel pump skimmers are generally installed inside the pump and attached to its internal wiring, making them invisible to customers. The devices store payment card information that criminals later retrieve or transmit wirelessly.

Skimming devices can be installed in a matter of seconds. In some cases, suspects distract store employees while another person installs the device.

As part of the operation, investigators also distributed educational materials to retailers to help employees recognize the signs of skimming devices and encourage prompt reporting of suspicious activity.

“Strong partnerships are essential to protecting our community from evolving crimes like card skimming,” said West Palm Beach Chief of Police Tony Araujo. “By working proactively with the United States Secret Service and our local businesses, we're helping prevent fraud before it happens and keeping our community safe.”

“Skimming devices continue to pose a significant threat to consumers and businesses nationwide,” said United States Secret Service Acting Special Agent in Charge Miami Field Office Michael Townsend. “Operations like this strengthen our ability to detect and prevent financial crimes while reinforcing the importance of collaboration with our local law enforcement partners and the business community.”

The West Palm Beach Police Department and the United States Secret Service remind consumers to inspect card readers before using them, use tap-to-pay or mobile payment options when available, and report any suspicious devices or fraudulent transactions to their financial institution and local law enforcement immediately.

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Rachel Leitão

Public Information Officer

pdpio@wpb.org