Robert Pyle, Card Skimming, Pennsylvania 2026

PITTSBURGH, PA – A coordinated law enforcement sweep across the Pittsburgh area ripped nine illegal card skimming devices from ATMs, gas pumps, and point-of-sale terminals, officials announced Monday. The operation, led by the U.S. Secret Service, averted an estimated $9.4 million in potential losses to consumers and financial institutions. The devices were discovered during a two-day blitz conducted April 20-21, targeting locations ripe for exploitation.

Investigators systematically examined 883 point-of-sale terminals, 775 gasoline pumps, and 170 ATMs, uncovering the hidden tech used to steal credit and debit card information. The operation wasn’t just about seizures; teams distributed educational materials to business owners, teaching them how to spot the telltale signs of skimming devices before their customers become victims. The brazenness of these criminals, targeting everyday transactions, is a stark reminder that no one is immune.

The multi-agency effort involved the Allegheny County Police Department, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, the Pennsylvania Office of State Inspector General, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. “Illegal credit card skimming can have devastating financial ramifications on innocent, law-abiding citizens who are victimized by this insidious fraud,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Pyle, of the U.S. Secret Service – Pittsburgh Field Office. “That is why the U.S. Secret Service has devoted significant resources toward combatting this scourge.”

Allegheny County Police Superintendent Christopher Kearns emphasized the community impact. “This collective law enforcement effort is about protecting our community from the unnecessary stress and hardships often caused by these devices,” Kearns stated. “We are grateful to all of our local and Federal partners for taking some of these devices off the street and keeping our neighborhoods informed.” Pittsburgh Police Chief Jason Lando added, “Card skimming is a growing and insidious crime…not only do criminals gather personal and financial information, but they’re also able to use that information to commit more crimes.”

The timing of the operation was no accident. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday noted the increased risk during large events, such as the recent NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. “My office, along with our partners, are doing everything in our powers to protect attendees…This proactive skimmer-detection initiative kept millions of dollars in the pockets of visitors.” This Pittsburgh operation follows a national trend of Secret Service-led outreach, with more than 400 illegal skimming devices removed across the country in 2025, preventing an estimated $428 million in fraud.

Skimming isn’t a victimless crime. Experts estimate it costs financial institutions and consumers over $1 billion annually. Authorities urge consumers to inspect ATMs before use and remain vigilant for any signs of tampering. Criminals are increasingly sophisticated, encoding stolen data onto new cards with magnetic strips, making detection more difficult. The Secret Service and its partners say they will continue these proactive efforts to disrupt these criminal networks and protect the public.

Source: https://www.secretservice.gov/newsroom/releases/2026/04/us-secret-service-pittsburgh-field-office-card-skimming-outreach