A victim was using an ATM at Culver and Michelson when a man approached her, grabbed her debit card, and offered to help, according to the Irvine Police Department.
Later, the victim discovered that her debit card had been replaced with another card, which was used at an Apple store.
The Irvine Police believe that this man may be responsible for at least one other case in a nearby city.
The police released two pictures of the suspect, who appears to be African American. In one picture he was wearing a red, white and blue jacket with a white cap that had the letters “Los Angeles” on it. In the second picture he was wearing a red jacket.
WARNING: Distraction thefts at ATMs are occurring in Orange County. Suspects employ various techniques to distract victims and steal their ATM cards. In some instances, a suspect drops money on the ground and then tells the victim that they have dropped something. During the exchange, victims have their access cards stolen.
Please be aware of your surroundings, refuse any offers of help, and report suspicious activity to the police immediately. Protect your PIN by covering the keypad when you enter it. If you “find money” on the ground, put your ATM card away first!
Here’s a summary of the potential penalties the suspect may face in Irvine, California:
A suspect involved in a distraction theft at an ATM—where a debit card was stolen and used at a store—could face several criminal charges under California law:
- Theft of Access Cards:
- Can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.
- Felony: Up to 3 years in jail.
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine.
- Fraudulent Use of a Debit Card:
- If the amount stolen is $950 or less: misdemeanor, up to 6 months in jail.
- If over $950: felony or misdemeanor, with up to 3 years in jail.
- Identity Theft:
- Using someone else’s personal information without permission.
- Felony: Up to 3 years in jail.
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail.
- Burglary:
- If the suspect entered a location intending to commit theft or fraud.
- Felony: Up to 3 years in jail.
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail.
Other consequences may include restitution to the victim, probation, community service, and possible immigration consequences if the suspect is not a U.S. citizen.