Santa Ana – The Orange County District Attorney is warning the public about the “dropped a $20 bill scheme” which has cost victims an estimated $40,000 in California.
This criminal scheme involves a thief pretending to find dropped cash and offering to return it to the victim at grocery stores. When the victim opens their wallet, they may never notice that their ATM/debit card is missing or that the thief watched them key their PIN number at the register line.
Do not write your PIN on your ATM card. Cover the number pad when you punch in your debit card PIN. Do not take out your wallet in front of strangers. Travel with a trusted friend or family member.
Here’s a plain text summary of the penalties for suspects involved in the “dropped a $20” scam in California:
Penalties for ATM/Debit Card Fraud in California
Individuals caught stealing ATM or debit cards and PINs through scams like the “dropped a $20” scheme can face serious legal consequences under California law:
- Possessing or Selling Stolen Card Info (Penal Code 484e)
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail
- Felony: Up to 3 years in county jail
- Forging Card Information (Penal Code 484f)
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail
- Felony: Up to 3 years in jail
- Using a Stolen Card (Penal Code 484g)
- If under $950: Misdemeanor (petty theft)
- If over $950: Felony (grand theft), up to 3 years in jail
- Publishing PINs or Card Info (Penal Code 484j)
- Misdemeanor: Up to 6 months in jail
- Possessing Card-Making Equipment (Penal Code 484i)
- Misdemeanor or Felony depending on the case
- Felony: Up to 3 years in jail
Additional Consequences:
- Possible deportation for non-citizens
- Loss of gun rights for felons
- Court-ordered restitution to victims
- Possible expungement after sentence completion
Anybody who engages in these kinds of crimes or distraction theft especially on senior citizens should be labeled as “COWARD ALERT” since they have NO heart. These lo lives should be subject to public shaming while the offender is tied up to a pole.