STORY: It’s easy to get comfortable, but we have to stay proactive about defending our personal information. Please take a moment to review this video and the beneficial tips listed below and share them with those who might find them valuable. This video depicts how quickly a distraction theft can occur. Knowledge is the first line of defense. North Investigations recently arrested three Romanian nationals in a suspected distraction theft crime operation involving multiple counties and at least a dozen victims across the state of California. WATCH: In this video, you can see how the suspects operate. One suspect stands back, watching as the victim enters his pin. As the victim gets ready to complete his transaction, one suspect drops money at the victim’s feet, causing the victim to bend down and pick it up. While the victim was distracted, a second suspect swapped the victim’s ATM card with a fraudulent one. OC Sheriff North investigators and the OC Sheriff Crime Analysis Detail dedicated many weeks of investigative work to find and arrest these suspects. However, we believe there may be others who were impacted. If you believe you were a victim of a distraction theft, please call us at. This crime happens fast, and it can happen to anyone. Distraction theft is not limited to ATM transactions. Criminals may also attempt to steal a victim’s PIN code while in line at the grocery store or a retail business. It’s important to remember. Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Always cover the keypad when using your ATM card. Avoid engaging with strangers when completing financial transactions. Be wary of strangers approaching you in parking lots or at the ATM . If someone approaches you, always keep a safe distance
