Elderly victims targeted by suspects while using ATMs in GTA
According to police, the suspects “shoulder surf” victims to learn their personal identification number (PIN) before stealing their debit card and withdrawing funds for themselves.Â
º£½ÇÉçÇø¹ÙÍøpolice are making the public aware of suspects targeting elderly victims while withdrawing money from ATMs at financial institutions in the GTA.Â
The suspects typically operate in pairs and “shoulder surf” victims to learn their personal identification number (PIN), according to police.
They then distract victims by various means, for example, by dropping something nearby or engaging in conversation with the victim. Â
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
“While the victim is distracted, the suspects grab the victim’s debit card from the ATM,” said police in a . “The suspects then attend another ATM immediately and withdraw funds from the victim’s account.”
Investigators have linked multiple incidents to the same male suspects.Â
Images have been released by police.Â
The suspects allegedly operate in pairs and distract victims before stealing their debit card.Â
º£½ÇÉçÇø¹ÙÍøPolice Services
The Financial Crime Unit is advising people be aware of their surroundings while using an ATM and to protect their PIN by blocking the pad.Â
“Do not count or visually display any money you received from the ATM,” police added. “Maintain control of your debit card at all times.”
Officers are asking the public to not confront the suspects if seen, but to call police with any information at 416-808-1456 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477.
Ilyas Hussein is a Toronto-based general assignment reporter for
the Star. Reach him via email: ihussein@thestar.ca
To join the conversation set a first and last name in your user profile.
Sign in or register for free to join the Conversation