Elderly Kamloops woman latest victim of PIN and pickpocket scam

RCMP are warning the public to protect their PIN when they are shopping in Kamloops after an elderly woman fell victim to a well organized scam.

Last week, the woman was intentionally distracted while she was using her debit card PIN at a grocery store check out and not only did the fraudsters steal her PIN, they stole her debit card. Money was later withdrawn from her bank account.

“Based on the investigation it is believed that the victim was followed to the checkout and one of the suspects spied while the PIN was being entered,” Kamloops RCMP media relations officer Cpl. Dana Napier said in a media release issued today, Aug. 19.

“The victim then left the store and was approached by two men who distracted her by asking for directions while the third suspect pickpockets the debit card.”

Investigators are trying to determine if last week’s scam and theft is related to a similar crime in July when a person’s PIN and wallet were stolen in a similar fashion, also at a grocery store.

Police have released several images of the suspects in at least three fraud and pickpocket cases in an effort to advance the investigation.

RCMP have also provided some tips to prevent getting ripped off:

• Trust your instincts, if something feels off it probably is.
• Do not leave your purse/bag unattended in a cart.
• Cover your PIN and be aware of who is nearby even if they don’t look like they are paying attention.
• Be aware of your surroundings and how close people are to you
• If approached by a stranger feel free to walk away.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to call Kamloops RCMP at 250-828-3000 and cite files 2005-26751, 2025-21889 and 2025-23232.