Skimming might seem like a minor white-collar crime, but it can involve complex criminal organizations and cost millions in losses. The Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center (FCIC) has identified hundreds of skimming suspects who may be charged with crimes.
Recent skimming in Texas
Since January 2022, the FCIC has been targeting skimming at gas pumps and ATMs in Texas. It recovered nearly 400 skimming devices and identified over 200 skimming suspects.
The FCIC claims these skimming operations were undertaken by various criminal groups, who are starting to move from major cities to more rural parts of the state where pumps may not be well-protected.
What is skimming?
Skimming is a type of credit card fraud. A device called a skimmer is placed on machines where you enter your PIN, such as ATMs or gas pumps. Skimmers are usually also used alongside a hidden camera placed on the ATM or gas pump.
The device collects the cardholder’s financial information and scammers use it to steal from the cardholder’s account.
Skimming is a type of identity theft, specifically credit card fraud. As such, it comes with serious penalties including fines and jail time.
Depending on the circumstances, skimming could be considered a federal crime. This comes with increased penalties.
So, if you are accused of skimming, you should take such accusations seriously as they could impact your entire future. After all, accusations can lead to criminal charges, which can potentially lead to a conviction. You want to avoid being convicted so you can live your life free and without a criminal record holding you back.