Let’s Talk About Distraction Scams
The Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), in partnership with Feedzai, estimated that over $1.03 trillion was stolen by scammers worldwide in 2024. This staggering figure highlights the immense economic impact of scams globally.
As most of us know, there are hundreds of internet and computer-related scams that we all need to be aware of, but now a new type of scam is becoming extremely popular. While these scams are not computer or internet-related, we want you to be aware — we want you to be safe.
Distraction Scams
Distraction scams are a category of fraud characterized by intentionally creating a diversion to facilitate theft or illicit activities. The basic distraction scam involves manipulating the victim’s focus, diverting their attention away from their belongings, transactions, or security, thereby allowing the scammer to act unnoticed.
A typical distraction scam involves the scammer initiating an unexpected event or interaction designed to capture the victim’s attention. While the victim is preoccupied with this diversion, the scammer or an accomplice executes the intended fraudulent act, such as pickpocketing, card theft, or property removal. The effectiveness of these scams relies on the victim’s temporary lapse in awareness and the swiftness of the perpetrators.
Some common tactics used in distraction scams include:
The Dropped Item Ruse: The scammer feigns dropping an object (e.g., money, keys) to prompt the victim to look down, creating an opportunity for theft.
The Assistance Ploy: Offering unsolicited help (e.g., pointing out a supposed stain, offering aid with a perceived issue) to engage the victim and create a window for illicit action.
The Card Manipulation Technique: At ATMs or payment terminals, a distraction is created while the scammer subtly swaps the victim’s card or observes their PIN entry.
The Authority Impersonation: Posing as an official (e.g., utility worker, law enforcement) to gain access or the victim’s trust, allowing accomplices to commit theft elsewhere.
The Physical Obstruction Tactic: In crowded environments, intentionally bumping into or creating a minor physical interaction with the victim to facilitate pickpocketing.
The Found Object Deception: Presenting a seemingly valuable but inexpensive item as found property to engage the victim in a transaction that serves as a distraction for theft.
The Exploitative Solicitation: Using a guise of need or distress to draw the victim’s attention and create an opportunity for theft while the victim is focused on assisting.
The Inducement Diversion: Creating a seemingly beneficial scenario (e.g., the “$20 bill” scam where a stranger tries to “return” a $20 bill the victim supposedly dropped) that requires the victim’s direct involvement, thus diverting their focus from potential threats.
The most vulnerable and most often targeted are the elderly, tourists, individuals appearing preoccupied, and those displaying visible valuables.
Protective measures against distraction scams involve awareness of distraction scams, exercising caution when approached by strangers, securing personal belongings, shielding PIN entries, resisting distractions during transactions, being wary of unsolicited assistance, verifying the identity of individuals claiming authority, trusting feelings of unease, and promptly reporting suspicious activities to law enforcement. Understanding the common strategies employed in distraction scams is crucial for reducing your risk of becoming a victim.