![Distraction thefts targeting seniors are on the rise. Suspects scouting for victims at an Eagle Rock ATM last month (left) and suspects involved in a Feb. 25 incident. [NBC4 • KTLA capture]](https://www.koreadailyus.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/0227-distraction-1-1.jpg)
Police arrested one suspect after a distraction theft involving a senior in Irvine. Authorities said Sherry Pu, 75, was shopping at a Trader Joe’s store near UC Irvine when someone bumped her shoulder. Shortly afterward, her wallet was stolen from her shoulder bag. Store surveillance footage captured a woman leaving with Pu’s wallet. After an investigation, police arrested Andrea Patino, 51, on February 23.
In recent years, distraction theft incidents involving seniors have increased. For example, in July last year, a Korean senior working in his front yard fell victim to a similar scheme. A man and woman in a Volkswagen vehicle approached and asked for directions. They then hugged the victim while thanking him. During the interaction, they removed his gloves and stole valuables.
In September, another suspect attempted to replace a Korean senior’s silver necklace by offering to put a different necklace around the victim’s neck.
Jeff Lee, secretary-general of the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles, said his office receives seven to eight requests per week for assistance replacing lost identification or Social Security cards following distraction theft incidents. However, he noted that seniors often recognize the loss only after some delay because they react slowly in unexpected situations.
Authorities have also reported ATM distraction theft cases. According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), an 83-year-old man was victimized on January 15 at an ATM near Colorado Boulevard in Eagle Rock.
Police said two suspects watched as the victim entered his PIN. They then deliberately dropped a $20 bill and tapped his shoulder to divert his attention. When the man turned to pick up the cash, an accomplice removed his card from the machine and replaced it with a counterfeit card. The suspects later used the real card to withdraw thousands of dollars.
The LAPD urged seniors not to look away from the ATM screen, even if someone approaches and claims money has fallen nearby.
Meanwhile, ATM-related crimes have grown more sophisticated nationwide. Criminals increasingly deploy malware to hack machines in so-called “ATM jackpotting” schemes. The FBI reported 700 ATM jackpotting cases nationwide last year, with losses exceeding $20 million. Unlike card-based theft, jackpotting targets the ATM system itself, forcing the machine to dispense large sums of cash in a short period.
As a result, Los Angeles County officials have issued additional warnings. Earlier this month, Nathan Hochman, the Los Angeles County district attorney, joined county law enforcement officials in cautioning residents about increased risks during holiday periods, when cash withdrawals typically rise. Authorities advised ATM users to stay alert to their surroundings and report suspicious activity immediately.
