U.S. Secret Service takes action against credit card skimming - ABC News

[TexasTowelie]

ABC News got exclusive access as U.S. Secret Service agents blanket Las Vegas, hunting for the skimming devices that are often found at ATMs and self-checkouts as part of "Operation Sandblast."

[Think. Again.]

1. I'm glad this is being focused on, but I'm curious...

...as to why it's the Secret Service running this operation?

I thought their responsibility was only to protect our governmental officials, which seems like a big enough job on it's own. Do they have a broader commission than that? Are they working with any of the other agencies under the DOJ to coordinate the info, investigations, etc.? Or are they just taking on some extra man-hour work as a favor to another crime prevention agency?

I'm glad it's being done but maybe I don't understand the role of the Secret Service?

[TexasTowelie]

2. Secret Service used to be part of the Department of the Treasury

before it was moved to the Department of Homeland Security.

"The Secret Service is mandated by Congress with two distinct and critical national security missions: protecting the nation's leaders and safeguarding the financial and critical infrastructure of the United States."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Secret_Service

[Think. Again.]

3. Thanks for explaining that!

That makes a lot more sense, I had no idea they were responsible for financial security too!