Distraction Theft Scam: How Thieves Stole $6,000 from a Reseda Man

The Distraction Theft Scam

• 🎯 The scam begins at businesses like grocery stores where suspects observe customers entering their PIN numbers.
• 💡 A suspect approaches the victim, claiming they dropped a $20 bill, creating a distraction.
• 🚶‍♂️ The victim is then followed outside, and during the confusion of picking up the "dropped" money, the suspects steal the victim's wallet, including their debit card and PIN.

Victim's Experience and Financial Loss

• 💰 Nelso Irvin lost $6,000 to a man and woman who executed this distraction scam.
• 💳 The theft occurred on March 19th at an Albertsons in Reseda, where Irvin was bumped by a woman while putting cash back into his wallet.
• 💸 Within minutes, suspects withdrew nearly $1,000 from an ATM and an additional $5,000 from a bank teller, without asking for identification.

Warning and Prevention Tips

• ⚠️ Irvin warns others to be extremely cautious if someone approaches them claiming they dropped money.
• 🚫 He advises immediate disengagement and getting away from the situation to avoid becoming a victim.
• 🔒 Albertsons stated they cannot release security footage without a subpoena, leaving Irvin to fight for his money back after his claim was initially denied.