What Is Bank Jugging and Why It Matters to You

Beware of the Latest Bank Fraud Scheme  

If you’ve ever made a cash withdrawal from a bank or ATM, it’s important to know about a growing crime trend called Bank Jugging. Bank jugging occurs when thieves watch someone leaving a financial institution, often after a cash withdrawal, then follows the unsuspecting victim to a second location and commits theft, through a car break-in, robbery or other means.  

The risk for this type of crime is rising across the country. Victims often carry cash, leave it visible, or follow their usual banking patterns, making them predictable targets. Awareness of bank jugging gives you the power to protect yourself and your hard-earned money. 

What is bank jugging? 

Bank jugging refers to a crime in which offenders observe customers at banks, credit unions, or ATMs making cash withdrawals (or appearing to carry cash) and then following those customers to a subsequent location (such as a store, restaurant, parking lot or home) in order to steal the money. 

Why is it happening now? 

• Criminals always look for opportunities: those who withdraw cash or carry visible bags/envelopes are perceived as targets.  

• Offenders exploit routine behaviors: if a person always goes to the same ATM, then the same grocery store, the pattern becomes predictable and makes them easier to track and target. 

• The money is often carried in vehicles or left temporarily, giving criminals a chance to act at a second location when you’re less alert.  

Who is at risk? 

• Anyone withdrawing a noticeable amount of cash or carrying banking bags/envelopes.  

• People who make banking the first stop of an errand run, instead of the last, which gives offenders time to follow.  

• Individuals leaving cash visible in vehicles or making stops before going home. 

What are the signs of bank jugging? 

• Vehicles parked near ATMs or bank drive-thrus with no occupants entering the building.  

• Someone loitering in a parking lot or act­ing suspiciously (watching, pacing, moving between spots).  

• A vehicle following you after you leave a bank or ATM.  

What can you do to protect yourself from bank jugging? 

Here are practical tips, many of which are reinforced by law-enforcement and financial institutions: 

1. Be aware of your surroundings. While entering or exiting a bank or ATM, look around and take note of any suspicious person or vehicle.  

2. Conceal your cash immediately. Once you’ve made the withdrawal, don’t count or display it in public. Put it into a wallet or bag before leaving the bank. 

3. Make banking your last stop. Avoid leaving the bank then running errands. Making withdrawals at the first stop increases your exposure.  

4. Don’t leave cash in your car. If you must stop somewhere after stopping at the bank, take the cash with you.  

5. Vary your routine. Use different ATMs or branches at different times to avoid becoming an easy pattern for criminals.  

6. If you feel you’re being followed, don’t go home. Drive directly to a police or fire station, or another busy, well-lit place, and call 911. 

7. Report suspicious activity. If someone or some vehicle is acting strangely near the branch, notify a bank staff member or call law enforcement.  

Why should you trust us at Premier America to help keep you safe? 

We take your security seriously. Here is how we support you: 

• Account Monitoring: We have systems in place to detect unusual transaction patterns and may alert you or temporarily hold activities to protect you. 

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Encryption: We strongly encourage and often require multi-factor authentication. We encourage using authenticator apps or text message verification rather than email alone, since email accounts are frequent targets. 

• Educational Resources & Alerts: We provide security tips, updated alerts and regular communications, so you stay informed about evolving scams and crime trends. 

• Proactive Contact: If we ever need to contact you about your account, we will not ask for your full online banking password, PIN, or one-time security code by phone, email, or text. Premier America will NEVER call, email, or text you asking for those. 

• Dedicated Member Support: If you ever notice suspicious activity on your account or think you’ve been targeted, call us immediately at 800-772-4000. Our team is ready to help you take quick action to protect your account and your identity. 

Bank jugging may sound like a term you’ve never heard, but it’s a real and rising threat. By staying alert, concealing your We are committed to providing you with the tools, resources, and support you need to bank with confidence. 

If you ever have concerns or suspect that you might be a target of bank jugging or any other fraud, call the police immediately or drive to your nearest police station. Stay safe, stay informed, and thank you for being a valued member of Premier America. 

Premier America will NOT call, email or text you to ask for your online banking password, PIN, or one-time security code. If you receive a suspicious message, contact us directly or visit our Security Center for more tips and updates.