Beware of ‘bank jugging’ this tax season, police warn

(news nation) — Police are warning the public about “bank jugging” this tax season.

“Jagging is a crime of opportunity, where thieves look for people coming out of banks or ATMs with large sums of cash and follow them to find an opportunity to steal the money.” Arlington Police Department, Texas he wrote in a March 20 Facebook post.

Jagging is not a new crime, but authorities are reminding people to be vigilant, especially when cashing refund checks. This is because criminals in such cases are trying to make off with large amounts of money.

“In the midst of tax season, we want to remind the public to remain vigilant as people begin cashing their refund checks and withdrawing refunds from their bank accounts.” Arlington Police Department The department’s Facebook post reads:

Jagging is a crime that occurs all over the world. Dozens of cases have occurred from Texas to California to Virginia. For example, police in Fairfax County, Virginia, stated: they have investigated At least 10 incidents have been recorded since April last year.

These crimes can be very lucrative for the pursuers. Late last year, thieves allegedly stole $20,000 from a woman in Riverside, California. Inside Edition reported. In another similar incident in Virginia Beach, a Wells Fargo customer said he was I was scammed out of $33,000. Immediately after withdrawing cash.

“These are dangerous crimes,” said Lt. Derek Green of the Burbank, Calif., police department. Previously told Nexstar’s KTLA. “There’s usually someone driving the car. Often there’s actually someone inside the bank posing as a customer and they’re communicating with each other, so they’re keeping a close eye on the victim.”

Police say it’s up to you to remain vigilant. Financial institutions also announce strategies To avoid becoming a victim of jagging. The main tips are:

• Be on the lookout for people wandering suspiciously in bank lobbies and parking lots.
• Avoid distractions. Avoid using your cell phone or wearing earphones.
• Before leaving the ATM, hide your cash in another bag, such as a briefcase or purse.
• If you are withdrawing large amounts of cash, do so with someone else.
• Lock your car doors as soon as you get into your car.
• Do not leave large amounts of cash in your vehicle.
• Be careful of vehicles following you from the parking lot.
• If you believe you are being followed, please call 911 or drive to the nearest police station or fire/emergency station.

NewsNations’ Evan Lambert and Zaid Jilani contributed to this report.