Recently, and on multiple occasions, reports of stolen debit cards have been submitted to the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS).

According to WPS, "The circumstances surrounding the thefts suggests a well-planned scam."

There was an obvious and similar pattern in each victims' story, says WPS.

"In each instance, the victim had been shopping at a store with a large adjacent parking lot and using a debit card. The victim is first observed in the check-out line by the suspect while using their card and entering the PIN, " police say.

The scams occurred at several different grocery stores throughout Winnipeg.

The suspect would look over the victim's shoulder as they put in their debit card's PIN number.

WPS says, "Once the victim had left the store and was in the parking lot the suspects (often a male and female working together, but occasionally just a single suspect) would engage the victim near their vehicle and distract them.

"The distraction would involve pointing out money on the ground or a possible flat tire. The victim then discovers that their entire wallet has been pickpocketed."

Victims incurred significant financial losses after the suspect acquired both he card and the card's PIN.

Keep yourself and your PIN safe

  • Always cover your PIN as you enter the number.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and vehicle shortly after using your bank card.