Alert Issued Following Arrest In Point-Of-Sale Skimming Operation In Bucks Co.

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — The Bucks County District Attorney's Office and the Bristol Borough Police Department are warning business owners and the public to remain vigilant after an investigation into point-of-sale skimming devices led to charges against a Florida man.

Authorities are urging other local businesses and potential victims to come forward if they recognize the defendant or the active fraud scheme.

Subscribe

On August 20, police arrested Ionut Adrian Oprea, 38, following an incident at the All Fresh store located at 320 Pond Street in Bristol. Alert store employees recognized Oprea and another man from a similar incident on July 20. During both occurrences, the individuals worked in tandem to distract staff and fit an electronic skimming overlay directly onto a credit card reader keypad.

When employees confronted the men on August 20, Oprea was detained inside the store until officers arrived. The second suspect fled on foot toward Wood Street. He is described as a light-skinned man who was wearing a white shirt, dark shorts, and a white baseball hat.

A joint investigation involving the Bristol Borough Police Department and the Pennsylvania Office of State Inspector General confirmed that skimming devices recovered from the store were specifically targeting Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) accounts.

Suspects in the card skimming scam. (Bucks Co. DA's office)

Here is what the skimming device looks like. (Bucks County District Attorney's Office)

Oprea was charged with multiple offenses, including two counts each of criminal conspiracy, unlawful device-making equipment, and possession of an instrument of crime.

Oprea was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Charles Jonas, who set bail at $250,000, 10 percent. He was remanded to the Bucks County Correctional Facility.

The skimming devices utilized in these incidents consist of custom electronic keypads mounted over legitimate card readers using high-strength adhesive. They possess independent battery sources and wiring, making them difficult to detect at a glance.

Merchants are strongly encouraged to inspect their point-of-sale card terminals daily by checking for 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.

Investigators believe additional businesses or individuals may have been targeted by the operation. Anyone who recognizes Oprea, has surveillance footage, or suspects a skimming device was placed at their business is urged to contact Officer Michael Levitsky at the Bristol Borough Police Department at (215) 785-3521 or submit a tip through the Bucks County District Attorney's Office.