Clearwater police say a pair caught on camera at local businesses managed to drain nearly $8,000 from a resident's bank account using a stolen debit card, and now investigators want the public's help putting names to the faces.
Detectives on Wednesday released surveillance images of two people they want to question, along with a shot of a silver BMW that appears in the same footage. Investigators say the card was used at several Clearwater spots for withdrawals and purchases that quickly added up to thousands of dollars missing from one local victim's account.
What Police Released
According to Clearwater Police, the two unidentified individuals are believed to have used a stolen debit card across multiple locations, making unauthorized transactions that left the victim nearly $8,000 in the hole. The department shared still images pulled from surveillance video, including close-ups of the pair and a photo of a silver BMW that investigators believe is tied to the case.
Police have not released additional details about where or how the card was first stolen, but say the images could be key to tracking down the people involved.
How To Tip
Anyone who recognizes the individuals or the vehicle in the photos is asked to call the department's non-emergency line at 727-562-4242 or use its online reporting options, per Clearwater Police. The agency notes that tips can be submitted anonymously through community tip platforms listed on its site.
Where This Fits Locally
Law enforcement and consumer advocates have repeatedly warned about card-focused scams in Pinellas County, from ATM tricks to quick-hit card swaps that let thieves watch you enter your PIN, then cash out before you know what happened.
A recent report on an innovative ATM scam on Sunset Point Road underscored how quickly criminals can exploit distracted customers at cash machines and checkout lines.
If you think you have been targeted, federal regulators recommend acting fast. The Federal Trade Commission advises cardholders to contact their bank immediately, file a police report, and submit a complaint at ReportFraud.ftc.gov so potential patterns can be tracked nationally. Keeping receipts, noting timestamps, and saving any available surveillance stills can help both investigators and your bank's fraud team sort out what happened and how much you are owed.
