The Regina Police Service is warning the public of recent thefts using distraction to obtain victim credit cards.
The suspects typically target a lone elderly victim in a public setting, using the pretense of dropped money to engage the victim.
In one attempt, a suspect brought attention to a $20 bill near the potential victim, indicated that they believed the victim had dropped it, which prompted the victim to open their wallet to verify if they were missing money. The suspect picked up the bill and handed the money over to the victim, keeping the victim distracted while taking a credit card, unbeknownst to the victim.
Another attempt included one suspect approaching a potential victim in a parking lot loading groceries into their vehicle. The suspect notified the victim of money under their vehicle. It is believed a second suspect took this opportunity to grab the victim’s wallet while the victim was distracted. One of the suspects later returned to the parking lot and returned the wallet with all of its contents to the victim, stating the victim had dropped it. However, nearby attempts to purchase items and withdraw money were made using the victim’s credit card while the wallet was missing.
These and similar instances have occurred in Regina recently, leading to thousands of dollars in credit card withdrawals and purchases using victim credit cards. The Regina Police Service is asking the public to remain aware of these attempts and to ensure their wallets and credit cards are secure and with them after an unusual or suspicious encounter. The Regina Police Service is asking anyone with information on these or similar incidents to contact the Regina Police Service at 306-777-6500 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
