This point-of-sale terminal with a skimming device was installed at a Columbus store before law enforcement removed it Aug. 7, 2025. Kelby Hutchison. khutchison@ledger-enquirer.com

As part of a statewide sweep, the U.S. Secret Service joined the Columbus Police Department and the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday to check for payment card skimming devices at local businesses.

Daniel Reich, resident agent in charge with the Secret Service, said they focused on stores that accept EBT cards.

“They get loaded money at the beginning of each month, and a lot of the times, the money — if they get hit with the skimmers — the money will disappear before the person who’s supposed to receive the benefits can proceed,” he said.

The skimmer is a device that is typically an overlay t

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