LAPD Seeks Suspects in ATM Distraction Scams Targeting Elderly

The duo is accused of a coordinated scheme to steal bank cards and cash from victims at Southern California ATMs.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Los Angeles Police Department is searching for two suspects who are allegedly running an elaborate ATM distraction scam targeting elderly victims throughout Southern California. The suspects are accused of closely watching victims enter their PIN, then distracting them to swap out their bank card with a counterfeit one, allowing the suspects to withdraw thousands of dollars from the victims' accounts.

Why it matters

Elderly residents are often vulnerable targets for financial crimes, and these types of distraction scams can have a devastating impact on victims. The LAPD is working to track down the suspects and warn the public about this coordinated scheme in order to prevent further incidents and protect the community.

The details

According to the LAPD, the suspects work in a coordinated manner, with one suspect closely watching as the victim enters their PIN at the ATM. The other suspect then drops a $20 bill behind the victim and taps them on the shoulder, distracting them as the first suspect quickly swaps out the victim's bank card with a counterfeit one. The victim unknowingly leaves the ATM with the fake card, unaware their real card has been stolen. The suspects then use the stolen card to withdraw large sums of money from the victim's account.

  • On January 15, the suspects allegedly targeted an 83-year-old man at an ATM on Colorado Boulevard around 11:35 a.m.
  • At 1 p.m. the same day, the suspects were seen at a local bank on North Fernando Boulevard, withdrawing funds from the victim's account.

The players

LAPD

The Los Angeles Police Department is leading the investigation into the ATM distraction scam and working with other law enforcement agencies to track down the suspects.

Unnamed male suspect

A bearded man wearing a baseball cap who is one of the two suspects accused of running the coordinated ATM distraction scam.

Unnamed female suspect

A woman wearing a white jacket who is the second suspect accused of working with the male suspect in the ATM distraction scam.

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What’s next

The LAPD is working with multiple law enforcement agencies to track down the distraction ID theft scammers. Anyone who recognizes the suspects is urged to reach out to the police.

The takeaway

This case highlights the vulnerability of elderly residents to financial crimes, and the need for increased public awareness and law enforcement efforts to protect this population from sophisticated scams like the one being carried out by these suspects. Community vigilance and reporting suspicious activity can help prevent further victims.