Bucks County authorities are warning business owners and the EBT card users to be vigilant after a Florida man was arrested following a point-of-sale skimming investigation in Bristol.
Ionut Adrian Oprea, 38, of Miami, was arrested Aug. 20 following an incident at the All Fresh store in the 300 block of Pond Street after store employees recognized him and an unidentified man from a similar incident in July, according to a Crimewatch post.
Both times the men allegedly worked to distract staff and fit an electronic skimming overlay onto a credit card reader keypad.
While the cashier was processing the unidentified man's grocery orders, which was purchased in cash, the man reached
into his pants removed the device and placed it on the store's reading device, according to a probable cause affidavit. Oprea allegedly was observing the other man and assisted him in putting groceries in the cart.
When he was observed earlier this month, Oprea was allegedly wearing the same T-shirt he was wearing in the July 20 incident, the affidavit said.
Employees confronted the men on August 20, and detained Oprea inside the store until police arrived; the second suspect ran and was last seen headed toward Wood Street.
A joint investigation between Bristol Police Department and the Pennsylvania Attorney General, who are investigating Electronic Benefit Transfer fraud and skimming devices confirmed the devices recovered from the store were specifically targeting EBT accounts.
Oprea was arraigned on four felony offenses including two counts of unlawful device-making equipment, and related misdemeanors before District Judge Charles Jonas on Aug. 20, and released after posting $250,000 bail. He had no legal representation listed as of Aug. 25, according to the public docket.
The skimming devices used in these incidents consist of custom electronic keypads mounted over legitimate card readers using high-strength adhesive. They possess independent battery sources and wires making them difficult to identify.
Businesses are strongly encouraged to inspect their point-of-sale card terminals daily for signs of loose components, unusual bulk, or signs of adhesive.
Cardholders, particularly those using EBT cards, should closely monitor their account balances and report any suspicious activity immediately, the DA said.
Investigators believe this operation may have targeted additional businesses or individuals.
Do you recognize these men?
Anyone who recognizes Oprea, possesses surveillance footage, or suspects a skimming device was placed at their business can contact Bristol Borough officer Michael Levitsky at 215-785-3521 or submit a tip through the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office.
Crime and Courts Reporter Jo Ciavaglia can be reached at jciavaglia@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks County authorities issue warning for skimming devices after incident
