Beware of the ‘Dropped $20 Bill’ Scam: Yuba City Police Warns Residents to Stay Vigilant

How to Guard Against the ‘Dropped $20 Bill’ Scam: Tips from Yuba City Police

The Yuba City Police Department wants to alert our community to a scam that’s been causing trouble not just here, but across California. It’s a scheme that preys on people’s trust and catches them off guard. We’re talking about the “dropped $20 bill” scam, and it’s been causing a lot of headaches for both law enforcement agencies and unsuspecting adults.

Here’s how this sneaky operation works: the scammers keep a close eye on their targets as they enter their personal identification number (PIN) at grocery store checkouts or ATMs. Once they’ve got that crucial piece of information, they make their move.

Approaching their victims with a $20 bill in hand, they claim that the unsuspecting person dropped it. It might seem like a random act of kindness, but it’s all part of their deceitful plan. The victims, caught off guard by this seemingly generous gesture, often accept the money without thinking twice.

But here’s where the plot thickens. After a little while, usually in the parking lot, the scammers strike again. This time, they ask the victim to return the $20 bill. While the victim is digging into their wallet or purse to do so, a second scammer comes into play. They’ll use various tactics, like exaggerated hand movements or invading personal space, to distract the victim.

And that’s when the real damage is done. The first scammer discreetly swipes the victim’s debit card, often without the victim even realizing it. With the card in their possession, these criminals waste no time, using it to make purchases or withdrawals, leaving the victim in a state of shock and financial distress.

It’s important to note that this scam isn’t just a concern for the Yuba City Police Department; it’s affecting folks across California. The scammers are counting on people’s goodwill and trust to carry out their fraudulent activities.

So, what can you do to protect yourself from falling victim to this scheme? First and foremost, exercise caution when you’re using your debit card or providing personal information in public places. Always be aware of your surroundings, especially when you’re typing in your PIN. If someone approaches you with a similar story about a dropped $20 bill, be cautious and don’t let your guard down.

This scam can particularly target elderly individuals who might be more vulnerable to such tactics. It’s also worth mentioning that the scammers might use fake $20 bills or even counterfeit ones to further their deception.

Stay vigilant, stay cautious, and if you ever suspect that you’ve encountered this scam, don’t hesitate to report it to your local law enforcement, whether it’s the Yuba City Police Department, the Fraser Valley Police, or the Abbotsford Police, depending on your location. By spreading awareness and being proactive, we can work together to protect our community from these deceptive schemes.

By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed