Winnipeg Police are advising Winnipeg residents to always cover their PIN as they enter their numbers into ATMs or debit terminals.

Police say the warning comes after a number of debit cards were stolen from unsuspecting shoppers.

Officials say the thefts were part of a well planned scam that targeted people most often at grocery stores with a large adjacent parking lot.

The scam worked like this – As the shopper entered their number into a debit terminal the scammer would observe the PIN number as it was entered over the victim’s shoulder. Once the victim left the store and was in the parking lot a second person (sometimes it was the same person) would distract the victim as the victim’s wallet was pickpocketed.

Once the fraudsters have the debit card and the PIN they previously acquired inside the store they are able to make withdrawals and purchases using the card.

Police are investigating the scam but are also advising that you should always cover your PIN as you enter it. They also say it is important to be aware of your surroundings after using your debit card.

© News4.ca 2020