Stay Alert, Colorado: FBI Warns Of Bank Jugging Crime Trend

Everyone loves a new idea. We love learning about new life hacks, about new apps that help us learn things, and new trends that help us enjoy life. Do you know who else loves a new idea? Criminals.

A few months ago, crooks in Cedaredge tried to steal a huge ATM from a bank in the middle of the night. This failed and ended with the unit lying in pieces across Highway 65. Stealing an ATM sounds like a lot of work. What's much easier is a new crime that the FBI is warning people about all over Colorado. It's called "Bank Jugging."

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FBI's New Warning All Coloradans Should Know

The FBI is alerting residents in cities from Denver to Grand Junction to a crime nicknamed 'jugging.' The FBI field office in Baltimore, Maryland, received 21 reports in just the first week of July alone. Forbes says there are 72 different banks in the Centennial State operating hundreds of ATMs, which means lots of opportunities to get 'jugged.' Let's take a closer look at what exactly that means.

What Is Bank Jugging?

Jugging is when a criminal watches you withdrawing cash from an ATM from afar, and then follows you to steal the cash in a different location (not at the ATM where they are likely on camera).

Avoid Becoming A Victim

The FBI and financial institutions like the Credit Union of Colorado offer tips on how to avoid having a crime like this happen to you.

Be aware of your surroundings when using an ATM and vary your routine when visiting the bank.
Is anyone loitering near the ATM? Is someone just sitting in their car near the ATM?
Do not allow cash to be visible as you walk away from the machine. Do not distract yourself by using your phone as you leave the ATM. Stay off your phone until you reach a safe place.
Report suspicious activity right away. Report hugging incidents at 1-800-Call-FBI or Tips.FBI.gov.

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Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

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