Authorities are on the hunt for two suspects who have orchestrated a cunning scheme across Southern California, preying on bank customers and absconding with their money.
Employing a sophisticated “shoulder-tap” strategy, the duo reportedly uses distraction tactics and swift maneuvers to pilfer thousands from unsuspecting individuals.
Their orchestrated theft begins as soon as a customer approaches an ATM machine.
Typically, one member of the team positions themselves close enough to observe the customer entering their PIN. As the transaction is in progress, this individual will casually drop a $20 bill on the ground and, with a friendly pat on the shoulder, informs the customer they’ve dropped the cash, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
As the customer bends down to retrieve the bill, a second accomplice discreetly takes the real ATM card from the slot, replacing it with an identical card.
Most recently, the scammers targeted an 83-year-old man at an ATM on the 2100 block of Colorado Boulevard around noon on January 15, police reported.
Wasting little time, surveillance cameras recorded the criminal duo just an hour later at another bank on North San Fernando Boulevard withdrawing the victim’s funds.
Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant. They recommend covering the keypad when entering your PIN, staying focused on the machine if approached, and verifying that you have your own card before leaving the ATM.
