HARRISBURG, PA — Two individuals have been charged in connection with an alleged multi-state card skimming operation targeting Electronic Benefit Transfer accounts, authorities said.
According to the Office of State Inspector General, the Northumberland County District Attorney’s Office, and the Milton Borough Police Department, Patricia Bogdan, who police say used multiple aliases, and George Lazar were charged following an investigation into a device discovered at a 7-Eleven in Milton.
Investigators reported the alleged scheme began in early February when a skimming device, described as a replica of a payment terminal, was placed at the store on or about February 7. According to authorities, the device remained in place for several days before being discovered by employees.
Police said the device was allegedly used to capture payment card data, which investigators reported was later used to make fraudulent purchases at retail locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
According to investigators, the suspects allegedly used a Bluetooth-enabled device to retrieve stolen card data remotely.
Authorities reported that multiple victims were identified through unauthorized transactions on their EBT accounts.
The charges stem from a joint investigation involving local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, including cooperation with agencies in New Jersey and North Carolina, according to officials.
Police said Bogdan and Lazar were arrested in New Jersey on March 19.
According to investigators, both individuals are facing multiple felony counts related to the possession and use of devices designed to capture payment card information, as well as conspiracy charges.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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