"Using a well-executed 'shoulder-tap' ruse, the criminals allegedly rely on distraction and quick sleight of hand to drain thousands from unsuspecting victims. The theft is a choreographed operation that begins the moment a customer approaches an ATM. Usually, one scammer stands close enough to watch the victim enter their PIN. Once the transaction is underway, the scammer casually drops a $20 bill on the ground and, with a friendly tap on the shoulder, claims the victim dropped the cash."
"While the victim bends down to pick up the bill, a second accomplice takes the real ATM card from the machine and swaps it with an identical fake card. Most recently, the con artists targeted an 83-year-old man at an ATM on the 2100 block of Colorado Boulevard around noon on Jan. 15, according to cops. 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."
A coordinated theft operation targets bank customers across Southern California using a deceptive 'shoulder-tap' ruse. One criminal observes the victim entering their PIN at an ATM, then drops a $20 bill and taps the victim's shoulder, claiming they dropped the money. While the victim bends down to retrieve it, an accomplice swaps the real ATM card with an identical fake one. The criminals then use the stolen card to withdraw funds from the victim's account. Recent victims include an 83-year-old man targeted on January 15. Police recommend covering the keypad when entering PINs, remaining focused at ATMs, and verifying card possession before leaving.
Read at California Post
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