Operation Mousetrap has successfully prevented an astounding $16.7 million in fraud, delivering a significant blow to transnational organized crime groups targeting American consumers.
Story Highlights
- U.S. Secret Service’s Operation Mousetrap stops $16.7 million in potential fraud losses.
- 16 illegal skimming devices seized during a two-day blitz in Orlando, Florida.
- Effort led by Secret Service with local law enforcement and Florida Department of Agriculture.
- Proactive public education aims to reduce EBT and card skimming fraud.
Operation Mousetrap: A Strategic Strike Against Skimming Fraud
The U.S. Secret Service, in collaboration with central Florida law enforcement and the Florida Department of Agriculture, executed Operation Mousetrap on December 2–3, 2025. This strategic operation involved inspecting over 7,340 point-of-sale terminals, gas pumps, and ATMs across 853 businesses in Osceola, Orange, and Seminole counties. The operation’s success was marked by the seizure of 16 illegal skimming devices and an estimated prevention of $16.7 million in fraud losses, primarily affecting EBT recipients and cardholders.
The Secret Service, emphasizing the operation’s proactive nature, also distributed educational materials to businesses. These resources are intended to aid in recognizing and preventing skimming devices and EBT fraud schemes. The operation underscores the ongoing battle against financial crimes, particularly those perpetrated by transnational organized crime groups, which have been identified as central actors in these schemes.
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Impact and Implications of the Operation
Operation Mousetrap’s immediate impact includes halting active skimming activities in a major tourist hub and enhancing awareness among local businesses. By inspecting 853 businesses and distributing educational materials, the operation increased the likelihood of early detection of future skimming attempts. Publicizing the operation’s success sends a deterrent signal to organized crime groups, indicating that high-volume regions are under active monitoring, potentially causing a shift in criminal tactics.
In the long term, the operation’s impact may accelerate the adoption of more secure payment technologies and tighter regulations, particularly for vulnerable devices like gas pumps. The educational outreach component has strengthened local detection capabilities, ensuring sustained vigilance beyond the operation’s two-day duration.
National and Local Coordination in Combating Fraud
Operation Mousetrap exemplifies effective federal, state, and local coordination in tackling financial crimes. With the U.S. Secret Service leading the charge, local law enforcement agencies played crucial roles in executing field inspections and managing local intelligence on fraud hotspots. This operation is part of a broader national campaign, reinforcing public trust in electronic payment systems and government benefits programs.
The persistent characterization of EBT fraud as an “epidemic” underscores the scale of the challenge and the need for ongoing vigilance. By disrupting skimming operations and raising public awareness, the Secret Service and its partners have demonstrated their commitment to safeguarding consumer interests and protecting the integrity of the financial system.
U.S. Secret Service Seized 16 Illegal Skimmers, Stopped $16M in Fraud https://t.co/cckjc6kggD
— ConservativeLibrarian (@ConserLibrarian) December 5, 2025
As the operation highlights, the fight against financial crime requires concerted efforts and continuous adaptation to evolving criminal strategies. The Secret Service’s proactive approach, combined with public education and technological advancements, is a critical component in maintaining the security and trust of America’s financial infrastructure.
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U.S. Secret Service Seized 16 Illegal Skimmers, Stopped $16M in Fraud
Video from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office highlighting joint operation
