The U.S. Secret Service, together with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other federal agencies, removed 17 payment‑card skimming devices during a three‑day sweep of the greater Los Angeles area. The operation, conducted from August 4 to August 6, 2026, aimed to prevent an estimated $17.7 million in fraudulent card transactions.
Dubbed Joint Operation LAX, the effort involved visits to 328 businesses across the region. Agents inspected more than 1,700 point‑of‑sale terminals, looking for devices designed to capture credit‑card data. The investigation uncovered 17 skimming devices, all of which were seized and taken out of service.
The coordinated action reflects a broader federal focus on payment‑card fraud, which has risen in recent years. By targeting a wide range of merchants and high‑traffic locations, the agencies sought to disrupt organized schemes that harvest card information for resale or direct theft.
Officials reported that the removal of the devices is expected to avert losses totaling $17.7 million. The figure represents the projected amount of fraudulent charges that could have been generated had the skimmers remained operational.
The three‑day operation underscores the scale of the problem, with more than 1,700 terminals examined in a short period. While the exact types of businesses visited were not disclosed, the breadth of the inspection suggests a comprehensive approach to safeguarding consumers throughout Los Angeles.
Federal partners emphasized that the success of Joint Operation LAX demonstrates the effectiveness of inter‑agency collaboration in confronting financial crime. The seizure of the skimmers and the prevention of substantial fraud losses highlight the ongoing need for vigilance among merchants and consumers alike.
The operation concluded on August 6, with agencies continuing to monitor for additional threats and to provide guidance to businesses on protecting payment systems.