Three people are facing multiple charges after Florida law enforcement officials busted a massive skimming operation in Hernando County, reports FOX 13.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (OALE) began an investigation after U.S. Customs and Border Protection confiscated a shipment of illegal skimming devices headed to the home of Yunior Juan Camacho in Spring Hill, Florida.
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The skimming devices — which fit over card-swiping devices at ATMs and cash registers — steal sensitive information, allowing fraudsters to clone cards and make unauthorized purchases.
Camacho and two other associates were reportedly taken into custody on multiple felony charges after OALE, Homeland Security and the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Camacho’s home.
"This was a very large ring, and so we’re very proud to get this one busted up immediately," Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson told FOX 13.
‘This is going to help us get a much larger network’
Agents reportedly discovered a wide range of devices when they served the warrant on Camacho’s home, suggesting a sophisticated criminal network was in the works. According to authorities, the search uncovered:
- 354 suspected counterfeit payment cards
- Over 150 digital storage devices
- 17 illegal skimming devices
- Electronic components used in skimming schemes
- $47,350 in cash
Investigators also impounded a 2022 Ford F-350, which contained illegal fuel tanks believed to be part of a diesel fuel theft operation. In addition, officials found 17 gaffs — sharp instruments that are commonly associated with cockfighting — adding another potential layer of felony charges to the case.
All three suspects are now facing multiple felony counts for possession of skimming devices, possession of equipment used for animal fighting and trafficking in counterfeit goods.
"This is something that we have worked very hard on the last two years," said Commissioner Simpson. “And we’ve had many busts like this around the state, [but] not to this magnitude. Very proud of that. This is going to help us get a much larger network.”
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How to protect yourself from skimming devices
While skimming can happen anywhere, it’s most common at gas stations and standalone ATMs because they are less likely to be monitored or inspected.
Thankfully, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself from falling victim to skimming fraud:
- Take a close look at the card reader: If it appears loose, crooked or feels too thick, don’t use it. Tug on the reader and if it moves out of place, find another option.
- Check for hidden cameras: Criminals often place tiny cameras near keypads to obtain your PIN. Look for anything that looks out of place; pinhole cameras can be very small.
- Use tap-to-pay: When possible, use the tap-to-pay option. These replace physical card readers and can thwart would-be scammers.
- Run your debit card as a credit card: While not foolproof, it can help protect your PIN.
- Use well-lit or indoor readers: Avoid gas pumps or ATMs in dark or less-trafficked areas, as these are easier for criminals to tamper with.
- Cover the keypad when typing your PIN: Always fully cover the keypad when entering your PIN. This can block cameras from gaining access to your account.
- Check your accounts regularly: Keeping a close eye on transactions can help you spot and report fraudulent activity faster, improving your chances of recovering losses.
The FBI estimates that consumers and banks lose more than $1 billion every year to skimming. As fraudsters get more sophisticated, keeping a sharp eye and using tap-to-pay whenever possible can help protect your finances.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
