Distraction scams often involve people who travel in small groups across the country perpetrating crimes of petty theft, burglary, and fraud. Anyone can be a victim but seniors are often targeted. Over the past several summers, residents of local area communities have been victims of these scams. Distraction scams are incidents that occur in daylight hours in the following way:
The suspects wait outside the bank or near an ATM and wait on victims to complete their banking. They will attempt to look over the victim’s shoulder to see what the victim punched in for the card PIN. The suspect(s) will then approach the victim with a bogus story like pointing to the floor and telling the victim they dropped something at which time they will switch the victim’s bank card.
Or the suspect(s) will wait in the parking lot outside the bank where they will approach victims with a bogus story either claiming an emergency and/or begging for change. Once the victim opens their wallet they will distract them with something on the ground before they switch or steal the victim’s bank cards from the wallet.
Tips to help you prevent Distraction theft/fraud:
- Be aware of people lingering and entering the ATM vestibule with you.
- Be aware of your surroundings while at the ATM and ensure no one is looking over your shoulder trying to see what your PIN is.
- After using the ATM, immediately place your bank card back in the wallet.
- Don't open your wallet in front of strangers.
- Don't count money you withdraw at the ATM.
Visit Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre for more information on scams.