Criminals Use $20 Distraction Scam to Steal Thousands from Shoppers

The $20 Distraction Scam

• 🎯 A shopper named Sarah was targeted by a $20 distraction scam while at a Ralphs grocery store.
• 💡 The scam began when a stranger approached Sarah, claiming she dropped $20, as she was entering her PIN at the payment terminal.
• ⚠️ The scammer persisted, attempting to place the $20 bill into Sarah's wallet, creating a physical distraction.

Theft and Financial Loss

• 🏃‍♀️ After Sarah left the payment area, the same man, now with a woman, followed her again, insisting she take the money.
• 💳 Sarah later discovered her debit card was missing from her wallet.
• 💸 Within 30 minutes, the scammers made multiple withdrawals, stealing nearly $5,000 from Sarah's and her daughter's linked bank accounts.

Impact and Investigation

• 💔 Sarah, a teacher, expressed distress over the ease with which her money was stolen, impacting her ability to cover essential expenses.
• 📣 Her daughter Jennifer shared the story online, revealing that many others had experienced similar scams.
• 🔍 The suspects' descriptions are vague, and security footage has not yet been released, making identification difficult for the LAPD.
• 📞 Authorities are asking anyone with information about this scam or similar incidents to contact the LAPD.