Widow Left Penniless By Brazen Pickpockets

The actual crime occurred last August 4th, when a senior paid for her purchases using her debit card at a Pickering Wal-Mart. But she wasn’t aware there were some prying eyes watching her every move.

The crooks were not only able to copy down her PIN number, but used an old pickpocket trick to have one culprit “accidentally” bump into the woman, while another stole her wallet.

Armed with both her card and her number, the thieves went on a mini-shopping spree, taking $150 cash back with every “purchase” and cashing out at several ATMs, until her bank account was empty. The victim didn’t realize what had happened until all the money was gone. 

Since the crime, the elderly woman has been left in dire straits. Durham Police tell CityNews it took the victim, who’s on a fixed income, nearly 13 years just to save $3,000 – an amount that constituted her life savings.

After investigating all possible leads, the cops have now released photos of two of three suspects they believe are responsible for the cowardly crime.

The man is described as:

• East Indian,
• 35,
• Short black hair.

The woman is said to be:

• East Indian,
• 30,
• Dark skin
• Shoulder length black hair.

Cops are hoping you’ll get an eyeful from the somewhat grainy security videos and take a lesson about the importance of protecting your PIN.

If either one of this despicable duo looks familiar, call police at (905) 579-1520 ext. 2530 or anonymously at Crime Stoppers, 1-800-222- (TIPS).

Pickpockets may not have an actual job, but they never seem to stop working on new ways to rip you off. Most of these schemes involve at least two culprits working together.

Here are a few of their more common scams.

The accidental bump

Someone ‘accidentally’ bumps into you, distracting you and coming into contact with your body. While you’re occupied in untangling yourself, the other thief lifts your wallet or purse and then both disappear into the crowd before you even know anything’s missing.

In many cases, the pilfered item will be passed on to a waiting third party, meaning even if you should confront the original person, they can play innocent.

The condiment scam

This is especially useful in a crowded restaurant or place where you might be near food, like a hot dog cart, a mall food court or even an airport.

One member of the gang ‘inadvertently’ sprays mustard or ketchup all over you. He or she apologizes profusely for their clumsiness and may even offer to pay your dry cleaning bill.

While they’re apologetically wiping off the mess,   an accomplice moves in and steals your wallet, purse, luggage, etc.

The coin toss

Pickpocket One drops something – like coins, papers – on the floor in front of you. When you offer, as most people would, to help pick them up, your distraction is cover for Pickpocket Two to lift your money.

The subway pick

The con artist will wait until a busy rush hour on a crowded train, so they’ll have a good reason to get close to you. With so much close contact from all those other travellers, you likely won’t even feel your wallet being taken. But it won’t be there when you reach your stop.

The sex scam

A woman will act as if she’s inebriated and hang all over a man in a bar. But she’s perfectly sober and is simply getting close enough to him to lift his wallet. She – and the money – both disappear.

The easiest way to stop pickpockets is to put your valuables where they’re hardest to reach, like a front pants pocket. Chances are if someone reaches in there, you’ll know it.

How To Protect Your Debit Card

Protect Your PIN

The best way to keep your information private is not to let anyone know what the magic number is. Use your hand, your body or your clothing to keep the PIN away from secretly prying eyes. It’s also a good idea to change it frequently just in case someone has it and you’re not aware of it.

Make sure you use a combination of letters and numbers where possible and don’t make it something obvious – like your birthday, phone number,   or your dog’s name.

Pay Cash For Small Items

It’s easy to use your debit card for everything, but a large number of us carry at least $20 in our wallets or purses. Consider paying for small purchases using legal tender instead of your card. That minimizes the risk that you’ll be stung.

Know Where Your Card Is

It’s easy to hand you card over to a waitress or a gas station attendant, who takes it away from your table or your car. Don’t let them. Follow along with it and watch that it’s not double swiped or compromised in some way. Most people are honest, but you can’t always tell the small number who aren’t.

Keep Close Account Of Your Money

If you see a charge you don’t understand or if money’s missing that you or someone with legitimate access to your account didn’t take, call your bank immediately, no matter what time of day or night. All of them have a fraud department that will start an investigation. In most cases, you won’t have to pay for the disputed charge.

Beware At Work

Keep your card with you at all times, even when you leave your desk. According to the Canadian Bankers’ Association, the workplace is the number one place for thefts. The same goes for leaving your cards in your car.

Make A List

Make sure you keep a list of all your credit and debit card numbers in a secure location. If they’re ever stolen or lost it will be easier to cancel or trace them.

Take Your Card With You

It may sound like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people absent-mindedly leave their cards behind after swiping them in a store. Thieves count on your inattention. Don’t give them the opportunity.

Beware Of The Phone

Never give your credit card or debit number over the phone unless you know who you’re dealing with.

To take the Banker’s Association Security and Privacy Quiz, click here.