Crime Prevention Message – Bank Jugging and Online Banking Advice

On this month’s Crimecall, Crime Prevention segment, Sergeant John Fitzpatrick provided information in relation to “Bank Jugging” and online banking advice. 

An Garda Síochána are appealing to persons who may withdraw large amounts of cash from financial institutions at this seasonal time of year to be vigilant.  

“Jugging” occurs when a customer goes into a financial institution, unbeknownst to them, they may be watched by persons, who wait patiently for them to come out with a bank bag, coin box or bank envelope that looks like they may have withdrawn a large amount of cash. They then follow the customer and look for an opportunity to steal the cash by breaking into a vehicle while unattended or theft from the victim directly.

These types of crimes can occur at a stop off point where a victim may stop and leave the vehicle unattended for a period of time, such as their home, shop or restaurant or fuel station. When the customer leaves the vehicle they may become a victim and the cash is stolen.

Bank Jugger’s often park where they have clear visibility of the front door or the ATM. Bank Jugger’s will change parking spots if their visibility is obstructed.

In 2024 year to date, (YTD), there have been a number of Jugging incidents reported, with two months and the Christmas period to go before the end of the year, it is possible these reported incidents may rise.

The number of incidents reporting direct interaction between the victim and the Jugger is higher in 2024 YTD than in previous years. The number of non-direct interaction incidents for 2024 YTD is lower than the previous year’s full year, with the Christmas period coming up this may change. 

Advice that may prevent “Jugging”:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially if something seems strange as you enter the bank.
• Conceal your bank deposit bags, coin boxes or envelopes as you enter and leave the bank.
• Take your bank bag or envelope with you into your next destination. Don’t hide it in your vehicle.
• Always vary your routes and times for cash drops and collections.
• Consider using electronic funds transfer rather than depositing or withdrawing cash or to pay for items.
• If you feel like you are being followed, call 999 or 112 and drive to a Garda Station.
• Don’t keep large amounts of cash in your home residence.
• If storing cash in business premises always use a Safe that is certified applicable to the value of cash stored in it.
• Always be aware of your surroundings and report anything suspicious to avoid getting “Jugged”.

On Line Shopping advice:

As we approach the seasonal time for Christmas shopping many people, will carry out shopping online, some actions you can take to ensure safety when shopping online can include –

• When shopping or making a payment online, make sure your internet access is secure.
• Do not use unsecured public Wi-Fi networks or hotspots to make a card purchase or access your online banking account.
• Look for the padlock – Click on the security icon (the padlock or unbroken key symbol) to ensure that the retailer has an encryption certificate.
• check your bank statement, or online ebanking App regularly to check for unknown or unauthorised payments
• buy from reputable retailers online and double check adverts selling products you are interested in – search for the image to see if it has been used before online
• Keep your computer and security up to date – Install a reliable antivirus and browser security software.
• Be cautious about emails claiming outrageous offers or ads offering miracle products – Generally if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Use appropriate privacy settings on your social media profiles – Remember your information is valuable to a fraudster.
• Use appropriate privacy settings on your social media profiles – Remember your information is valuable to a fraudster.
• Do not click on pop ups or ads that state that you have won a prize.
• Pay attention to your own instincts – If you have any doubts about giving out your card details, end the transaction and purchase your goods elsewhere.
• Be password savvy – if you use a password to log on to your network or computer, use a different password for orders or retailer accounts. Avoid using your address, birth date, phone number or easily recognisable words. The best passwords are alpha-numeric (using letters and numbers) and at least 8 characters in length.

Further information can be found online www.fraudsmart.ie or www.garda.ie,  FraudSMART is a fraud awareness initiative developed by Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) in conjunction with the following member banks, Allied Irish Bank plc, An Post, Avant Money, Bank of Ireland, Barclays Bank Ireland, Citibank Plc, PTSB.