Marion, IL – Local authorities are urging Marion residents to be vigilant at self-checkout stations due to a scam that has been targeting senior citizens over the past two weeks.
Scammers are distracting shoppers by falsely alerting them to a $20 bill on the floor while simultaneously observing them as they input their PINs. Once distracted, the victims’ debit or credit cards are swiftly stolen.
The Marion Police Department has identified the individuals believed to be responsible for these incidents through surveillance footage. The suspects are described as possibly being of Middle Eastern or Arabic descent. In a concerning escalation of their tactics, on at least one occasion, a suspect followed a shopper to their vehicle while continuing to use the $20 distraction technique.
Police have released photos of the suspects, who are reported to be fluent in English and Russian, in hopes that public recognition will aid in their capture. The police strongly advise shoppers to remain alert, especially during transactions, to cover the keypad while entering their PINs, and to report any suspicious activities immediately. This alert serves as a critical reminder to protect personal information and belongings while shopping.
