Well-dressed ATM scammers target elderly customers inside California banks

Criminals use 'shoulder-tap' distraction to steal victims' ATM cards and cash

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A male-female duo has been targeting elderly bank customers across Southern California, using a 'shoulder-tap' ruse to distract victims and steal their ATM cards and cash. The scammers drop a $20 bill on the ground, claim the victim dropped it, and while the victim bends down to pick it up, the second scammer swaps the victim's real ATM card with a fake one. The criminals were recently caught on surveillance camera withdrawing funds from an 83-year-old victim's account.

Why it matters

This type of distraction-based ATM theft scheme preys on vulnerable elderly customers, raising concerns about bank security and the need to protect senior citizens from financial crimes. The brazen nature of the scam, with the criminals operating in broad daylight inside bank premises, also highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in combating such organized criminal activity.

The details

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the male-female duo executes a well-choreographed plan to steal from bank customers. One scammer stands close to the victim at the ATM, watching as they enter their PIN. When the transaction is underway, the scammer drops a $20 bill on the ground and taps the victim's shoulder, claiming they dropped the cash. While the victim bends down to pick it up, the second accomplice quickly swaps the victim's real ATM card with a fake one. The criminals were recently caught on surveillance camera withdrawing funds from an 83-year-old victim's account just an hour after targeting him at an ATM on Colorado Boulevard.

  • On January 15, 2026, the scammers targeted an 83-year-old man at an ATM on the 2100 block of Colorado Boulevard around noon.
  • Within an hour of the initial incident, the criminal duo was recorded on surveillance cameras withdrawing the victim's funds from another bank on North San Fernando Boulevard.

The players

Los Angeles Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the string of ATM scams targeting elderly bank customers in Southern California.

Unnamed male-female duo

The two scammers who have been carrying out the 'shoulder-tap' distraction scheme to steal ATM cards and cash from elderly bank customers.

83-year-old man

The most recent victim of the ATM scam, targeted by the criminal duo at an ATM on Colorado Boulevard in Los Angeles.

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What’s next

The Los Angeles Police Department is actively investigating the string of ATM scams and working to identify and apprehend the male-female duo responsible.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for increased security measures and public awareness to protect vulnerable elderly customers from sophisticated financial crimes occurring even within the supposedly secure confines of bank premises. It underscores the importance of vigilance and caution when using ATMs, especially for senior citizens.