Keep your wallet in your pocket if you want to avoid the latest distraction scam. Photo: File.
Police have issued a warning about a scam that’s currently active on the coast from Wollongong to Batemans Bay.
A NSW Police spokesperson said the scam was simple and effective.
“An unknown person approaches you and claims that you’ve dropped money,” the police spokesperson said.
“They may be persistent, attempting to hand you the money or even put it into your wallet.
“Do not engage.”
The claim about dropped cash is a distraction tactic, and while your attention is diverted, you might find your wallet suddenly disappears — followed by fraudulent use of your credit or debit cards.
Police have urged anyone targeted by the scam not to allow anyone near their wallet or personal belongings.
“Do not stop to engage or argue,” the NSW Police spokesperson said.
“Walk away immediately and contact triple zero (000) if you feel threatened or believe a crime is occurring.”
The police spokesperson said anyone who had recently taken cash from an ATM was particularly vulnerable, as offenders often watched on and approached people after they had made a large withdrawal.
“Stay aware of your surroundings, and keep wallets and bags secure,” the police spokesperson said.
“If you have information or believe you may have been targeted, report it to police as soon as possible.”
It’s not the first in-person scam to do the rounds on the coast this year.
In January, two men were arrested and charged after multiple reports of elderly women allegedly being robbed and scammed at shopping centre carparks from Newcastle south to Beecroft in the Shoalhaven and out west as far as Wagga.
A NSW Police statement outlined that it was believed one of the men would approach the victims, claiming there was an issue with their vehicle, before asking them to raise the bonnet for an inspection.
“While the bonnet is up, another man allegedly steals items such as wallets, purses, cash and cards from inside the vehicle,” police claimed.
In Wollongong earlier in 2026, social media users reported another distraction-based scam in carparks.
A number of people said they had parked their car, only to have a man rush out of an adjacent parked car claiming they had struck and damaged it.
The man would insist the driver get out to look at the damage, and then demand cash.
If you suspect you have been targeted by scammers, contact your bank or card provider immediately to report the scam. Ask them to stop any transactions.
Get in touch with Australia and New Zealand’s national identity and cyber support service, IDCare, to make a plan to protect your identity.
Report the scam to Crime Stoppers and ScamWatch.
If you need to, seek support from a free financial counsellor, Lifeline or Beyond Blue.
