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JSO Warns Of Latest Scam 'Bank Jugging'

Tex Texin
/
Flickr Commons

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is warning citizens about a scam targeting bank customers.

Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Melissa Bujeda said, in the past few months, bank customers have been the target for “bank jugging.”

“Suspects are watching people as they go in and out of banks, and when they feel someone may have withdrawn a large sum of money they follow that person to wherever they're going,” she said. “When they stop for lunch or go into a store, that sum of money is taken from the vehicle.”

She said thieves are targeting people carrying bank bags, bank envelopes and coin boxes, so customers should conceal money before exiting the bank.

Before going inside, be on the lookout for cars backed into parking spaces with clear views of the front door or ATM, she said.

If you fear that you’re being followed, Bujeda said to keep driving and contact the police.

Intern Nikeya Heath can be reached on twitter @Nikereports or at newsteam@wjct.org