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Congress·In Committee·9 months ago

Congress Targets Tougher Sentencing and New Federal Report to Combat Credit Card Skimming

Also known as: SKIM Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impacts

Negative Impacts(1)
Criminal Record
Hurts

Key Points

  • Raises recommended federal sentencing levels for certain credit card and access-device fraud cases, aiming for tougher penalties.
  • Clarifies that when 10+ fake or unauthorized cards/accounts are involved, “loss” includes any unauthorized charges made on them, even small ones.
  • Requires the Attorney General and Homeland Security to send Congress a report within 90 days on how federal, state, and local agencies are working together to stop these frauds.
  • The report must cover what scammers are doing, where problems are worst, how often local police ask for help, and best tips for businesses to prevent skimming.
  • For everyday shoppers, the main impact is indirect: stronger punishment and more coordinated enforcement meant to reduce card skimming at places like gas pumps and ATMs.
Criminal JusticeConsumer ProtectionCybersecurity

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Jun 6, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Jun 6, 2025

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Within 30 days after the bill becomes law

Sentencing Commission updates the sentencing guidelines for access-device fraud

Federal judges would use tougher guideline ranges in many counterfeit/unauthorized card cases, which can mean longer recommended sentences.

Within 90 days after the bill becomes law

Attorney General and DHS submit a joint report to Congress on card-fraud enforcement and gaps

The report could identify counties/states where skimming is a big problem, list best practices for businesses and police, and recommend next steps that could drive future enforcement or funding.

Months after the report is delivered, if agencies adopt the recommendations

Law enforcement and businesses begin using the report’s best-practice recommendations

You may see more inspections of card readers, more targeted investigations, and more guidance for owners of gas pumps and payment terminals.

After the guideline update, as new cases are sentenced under the revised rules

Federal prosecutions adjust to the clarified rule on counting unauthorized charges as "loss" in 10+ device cases

Cases involving many stolen/fake card numbers may be charged and sentenced more aggressively because more charges can be counted in the harm calculation.

Related News

3 articles
San Antonio Express-News·about 2 months ago

Secret Service card skimming operation that stopped in San Antonio prevented $400 million in fraud

Reports on nationwide Secret Service anti-skimming operations and losses prevented; provides enforcement context but does not specifically mention the SKIM Act bill.

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Ripon Advance·9 months ago

Valadao, Kim introduce bill to stop SNAP fraud by skimming devices

Covers introduction of the SKIM Act (H.R. 3810) and summarizes tougher penalties and coordination/reporting provisions aimed at access-device fraud and EBT skimming.

CR~
New York Post·10 months ago

Authorities launch NYC crackdown on credit-card-skim rings responsible for $18B in stolen money: 'People are coming for you'

Discusses a New York City enforcement crackdown on skimming rings; background context for skimming but not specifically about the SKIM Act legislation.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

SKIM Act

Bill NumberHR 3810
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(10)
R: 10

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.