by Alex Lloyd Gross
People that pay by credit or EBT card are used to presenting the card at a terminal, swiping it or inserting the card for their purchases. Most card readers have a tap system that allows a chip to read the transaction. Unfortunately, EBT cards do not have this feature. Police said that Adrian Oprea, 38,of Florida along with another male took advantage of that fact, and allegedly put skimming devices on card readers in stores in Bristol Borough.
On August 20,2026, an alert employee at the All Fresh Store at 320 Pond Street saw the scam unfold and was ready for it. Police said that Oprea was inside the store with another, still unidentified male and they created a distraction, while an electronic overlay was placed on top of the credit card terminal.
Suspect tries to put a skimmer onto a terminal.
Oprea was detained and the other male ran away , last seen on Wood Street, police said. Oprea is charged with multiple offenses, including two counts each of criminal conspiracy, unlawful device-making equipment and possession of an instrument of crime. His bail was set at $250,000 /10percent.
Police ask all merchants to check their point of sale terminals to see if anything has been attached to them . The skimmers in this scam targeted EBT cards, which cannot get their funds easily replaced.
Investigators believe additional businesses or individuals may have been targeted by this 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.
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.