A nationwide ATM scam targeting elderly victims has been brought to a halt after the arrest of three New York residents during a traffic stop in Garfield County, Colorado. The suspects—Pedro Quispe (61), Dawis Escribano (40), and Estefani Falla (25)—allegedly used distraction tactics to steal ATM cards and PINs from senior citizens.
According to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, the trio is linked to at least 25 fraud cases: 11 in Southern California and 14 in New York. One notable incident involved a 70-year-old Moorpark man who was swindled out of $3,800 after a suspect offered help at an ATM, noted his PIN, and swapped his card.
Deputies discovered outstanding felony warrants for the suspects during the April 19 stop and later extradited them to Ventura County, where they remain jailed on $150,000 bail each.
Authorities identified the crew through surveillance footage and investigative efforts. Police urge the public—especially the elderly—to exercise caution at ATMs and report suspicious behavior.
