Extraordinary distraction scam shows how ATM thieves switch your card and steal your cash

A trio of Southern California swindlers was arrested for allegedly perpetrating a tricky ATM scam that left their victims cashless and confused.

The three Romanian-born suspects are accused of fooling unsuspecting ATM users by dropping money on the ground before switching their ATM cards with fakes when their victims bent over to pick up the bills.

The men tricked at least a dozen people across Orange, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Sacramento counties, police said.

In one instance, the suspects allegedly worked in tandem to scam a 66-year-old man trying to withdraw cash in Orange County’s Villa Park.

One of the men watched the victim enter his PIN while another dropped money at the senior’s feet, police said.

When the man bent down to pick it up, one of the suspects switched the victim’s ATM card out for a fake one before using the victim’s card to withdraw cash, according to police.

Law enforcement investigated the case and saw matching details in other thefts.

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“Because of this case we were able to reach out to surrounding jurisdictions… and saw similarities,” Sgt. Gerard McCann, a spokesman with the O.C. Sheriff’s Department, told the Orange County Register.

Using security camera footage, cops were able to spot a gray SUV that they linked to other incidents.

Cops eventually arrested Romita Achitei, 61, Paul Agafitei, 43, and George Asafiei, 46 on several felony charges, including grand theft, identity theft and forgery.

Investigators believe there are even more people who have fallen victim to the scam.

“The OC Sheriff’s Department is sharing this important information to raise community awareness about these types of distraction thefts,” a sheriff’s office release said.

“Criminals who engage in this unlawful activity often are well-rehearsed and convincing. Distraction theft is not limited to ATM transactions. Criminals may also attempt to steal a victim’s PIN code while in line at the grocery store or a retail business.”

Cops warned ATM users to remain vigilant when using their debit cards and cash machines, and avoid engaging with strangers during any transaction.