Mississippi Man Sentenced for Skimming Equipment Trafficking
A federal court sentenced a man linked to a scheme involving 1,600 stolen card numbers across the state.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Financial Crime
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Yerson Jose Salazar Amarista has been sentenced for trafficking in device-making equipment used for financial fraud. Investigators recovered five skimming devices from the defendant that contained data tied to 1,600 stolen card numbers, primarily from Electronic Benefits Transfer cards.
Why it matters
The case highlights the ongoing effort by state officials to combat the proliferation of skimming technology at retailers. Preventing the use of these devices is a key priority for protecting consumer financial information from large-scale theft.
The Attorney General's Office has recovered 54 skimming devices since January 2025, resulting in an estimated $54 million in prevented fraud losses. The defendant will face mandatory deportation following the completion of his prison term.
The players
Yerson Jose Salazar Amarista
The defendant was convicted of trafficking in device-making equipment used for financial fraud.
Mississippi Cyber Fraud Task Force
This state agency was formed in 2021 to investigate and respond to organized financial crimes across Mississippi.
Attorney General's Office
This government department leads state-level legal prosecutions and manages the Cyber Fraud Task Force.
The details
The Cyber Fraud Task Force seized the devices from various retail locations throughout central Mississippi. Analysis of the retrieved data confirmed the compromise of numerous account numbers, which officials linked directly to the defendant's trafficking activities.
Timeline
The state Cyber Fraud Task Force was established in 2021.
State authorities began tracking specific skimmer recovery data in January 2025.
The Attorney General announced the sentencing on October 5, 2026.
Legal Context
This conviction highlights the heightened enforcement posture of the Mississippi Cyber Fraud Task Force since its 2021 inception. The recovery of 54 skimmers since early 2025 underscores a persistent battle against localized financial exploitation in the state.
Residents should remain vigilant at retail checkouts and report any suspicious equipment found on card readers to local authorities. The recovery of 54 skimmers statewide indicates that consumers should frequently monitor their own financial statements for unauthorized activity.
The takeaway
Consumers can protect themselves by physically inspecting card readers for unusual bulkiness or loose components before swiping or inserting a card. Maintaining regular oversight of EBT and bank account balances remains the most effective defense against localized skimming operations.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to combat these threats in the Financial Crime section.
More information
For inquiries regarding the ongoing investigation, contact the Mississippi Cyber Fraud Task Force email.
Live Poll
Do you feel confident that payment terminals at local retailers are secure from skimming devices?
