LAPD Seeks Public's Help in Identifying 'Distraction' Identity Theft Suspects Targeting Elderly

Authorities say the suspects have employed similar tactics across Southern California to steal victims' debit cards and conduct ATM withdrawals.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying two men wanted in connection with a series of identity theft cases targeting elderly victims across Southern California. The suspects allegedly use a distraction technique, where one suspect observes the victim entering their PIN at a keypad, drops money near the victim, and then the second suspect attempts to further distract the victim while the first suspect steals the debit card.

Why it matters

Targeting vulnerable elderly individuals with distraction techniques to steal their identities is a particularly concerning tactic, as it can have devastating financial consequences for victims. The speed with which the suspects allegedly conducted ATM withdrawals after obtaining the victims' debit cards suggests a high level of planning and coordination.

The details

According to police, the scheme involves one suspect observing a victim entering their PIN at a keypad. The suspect then drops a bill of U.S. Currency near the victim and alerts them to it. While the victim retrieves the money, the second suspect attempts to distract them near the register. Even when unable to obtain the victim's debit card at the register, the suspects continued their efforts, following the victim into the parking lot. There, the first suspect allegedly convinced the victim to hand over their debit card, which was then stolen. Police say that within minutes of obtaining the card, the suspects conducted several ATM withdrawals at a different bank.

  • One incident occurred on the 1600 block of West 25th Street in San Pedro.

The players

LAPD

The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the series of identity theft cases and is asking for the public's help in identifying the suspects.

Detective Franssen

A detective with the LAPD Commercial Crimes Division, Metropolitan Financial Section who is leading the investigation.

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What they’re saying

“The public can contact LAPD Commercial Crimes Division, Metropolitan Financial Section Detective Franssen at 213-486-5947 or 877-527-3247 during non-business hours, or submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers online or at 800-222-8477.”

— Detective Franssen, LAPD Detective (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The LAPD is asking anyone with information about the suspects to contact Detective Franssen.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for heightened vigilance and protection for elderly individuals, who can be particularly vulnerable to identity theft schemes involving distraction tactics. The public's assistance in identifying the suspects is crucial to helping the LAPD address this concerning pattern of crimes.