Winter hibernation is almost over! With nice weather on its way, there are more opportunities to get outside for a walk around the park or a trip to the beach. It’s nice to go bag-free and leave the purse in the car. And that’s what a certain group of bad actors are hoping for…
The Felony Lane Gang is a group of bandits originating from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. They target locations where it’s likely to find a purse or bag left in the car, such as parks, beaches, post offices, or even daycares. The Felony Lane Gang will wait to see an individual (usually a woman) leave their car without their bag or purse, and break into their vehicle in an attempt to snag personal and confidential information. If the break-in was successful, they will next coerce another individual to pose as the victim. Sometimes this person dresses up in wigs, glasses or hats. They are instructed to use a bank’s farthest drive-thru lane and attempt to make a transaction.
The idea of someone watching and waiting is unsettling to say the least. Don’t fall victim to bad actors like the Felony Lane Gang by staying watchful and vigilant. Even if it’s for a brief moment, take your bag with you, especially if it has confidential information inside. And be sure to keep information such as your Social Security Number out of your wallet but in a secure location. If your ID has been stolen, notify your bank as alerts can be placed on your accounts for added precaution.
Chelsea Groton customers and community members are encouraged to take advantage of community education classes on fraud prevention, see when a class is being held near you! In addition, a versatile and curated list of fraud articles is also available for anyone looking to gain more knowledge on fraud prevention.
