$20 parking lot scam costs a lot more

ORILLIA — Two people appear to have been scammed by a tricky street person stealing their credit cards and PINs.

Did you drop this $20 bill? Say no and don’t open your wallet, say police.

Police call them distraction thefts.

Victims may call it bait and switch.

On Tuesday, June 19, Orillia OPP received two similar calls.

An older male with a European accent approached victims in the parking lots of local businesses holding a $20 bill.

The victims, thinking they dropped money, open their wallet and the male places the bill in their wallet and somehow at the same time removes their debit card.

Later, say police, the victims notice that money is withdrawn from their bank account using their personal identification number (PIN).

Police would like to warn the public about wouldbe thieves and the lengths they go to to scam the public.

The OPP would also like to remind the public about protecting their PIN.

They say there have been great advancements in debit and credit card technologies, however vigilance is still required when using your cards.

They urge youe cover your PIN, make sure no one is watching or in close proximity to you and never say your PIN out loud for anyone to hear.

For more information on how to keep yourself safe visit www.opp.ca.

The Orillia OPP continues to investigate these incidents. If anyone has information that could be helpful or if someone was a victim they are encouraged to contact the Orillia OPP at 705-326-3536 or 1-888-310-1122.

Members of the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police are committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities. Officers value your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or visit Crime Stoppers at: www.crimestopperssdm.com or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).