THOMASVILLE, N.C. (WGHP) — The Thomasville Police Department is warning the public of a cash drop scam after two elderly victims were targeted at Walmart at 1585 Liberty Drive.
According to a Facebook post from TPD , there were two incidents of the cash drop scam.
The first incident occurred on October 11, followed by a second one on November 22.
Here’s how the scam works, according to TPD:
- Two suspects typically work together.
- One suspect stands near the victim as they check out, often using a cell phone or Bluetooth headset to communicate with their accomplice.
- They observe the victim entering their PIN at the checkout.
- Once the victim finishes, the suspect will pretend to drop cash or ask if they lost money, while distracting the victim.
- During the distraction, the suspect steals the victim’s debit card and uses it to withdraw money
Victims often don’t realize the theft until they receive bank alerts, by which time the suspects have already fled.