LAPD Seeks Public’s Help Identifying Suspects in Distraction ID Theft Scheme NR26047jc

Los Angeles: Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Commercial Crimes Division, Metropolitan Financial Section, are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying two suspects involved in a series of distraction identity thefts targeting elderly victims throughout Southern California.

The suspects approached an elderly victim while they were conducting transactions at a business located in the 1600 block of West 25th Street in the City of San Pedro. Investigators have determined that the suspects work together in a coordinated manner. One suspect closely observes the victim entering their Personal Identification Number (PIN) on the keypad. The suspect then drops a bill of U.S. currency on the ground near the victim and taps them on the shoulder to alert them.

As the victim turns to retrieve the money, the second suspect approached the register in an attempt to further distract the victim. The suspect was unable to retrieve the victim’s debit card from his wallet and followed the victim into the parking lot. The first suspect speaks to the victim in the parking lot and conducted a scam into having the victim present his debit card to the suspect who somehow steals the debit card. Within minutes, the two suspects go to a bank at a different location and conduct several ATM withdrawals using the victim’s debit card.

The Los Angeles Police Department, in coordination with multiple local law enforcement agencies, is actively investigating these incidents and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the two individuals responsible and their whereabouts.

Actual Suspects

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact The Los Angeles Police Department’s Commercial Crimes Division, Metropolitan Financial Section Detective Franssen at 213-486-5947. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also go to www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips.”