26 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 IBA INSURANCE SOLUTIONS This article is courtesy of my good friend and colleague, Craig M. Collins, president of financial services of Intact Insurance Specialty Solutions. Chuck Maggard President/CEO IBA Insurance Solutions cmaggard@inbankersins.com IBA Insurance Solutions is a Preferred Service Provider and subsidiary of the Indiana Bankers Association. ‘Jugging’ Incidents New threat on the rise While card skimming, wire fraud or hook-and-chain losses have dominated conversations about risk for banks, a new threat is on the rise: “jugging.” As customers and businesses return to normal, foot traffic inside and around the bank is increasing. Unfortunately, some of the additional visitors are looking at methods of robbing customers after they leave the bank lobby. This article defines jugging, looks at clues for identifying a potential jugger, and provides some safety considerations to share with customers to protect them from falling victim to jugging. What Is Jugging? Bank jugging is a term used to describe a scenario in which robbers wait in the parking lot or other area near the bank and observe customers going in and coming out of the bank location. They look for customers who exit the bank with deposit bags or thick cash envelopes. Branch lobby entrances, in-store teller lines, drive throughs and ATMs are prime locations for jugging to occur. The customer is followed by the jugger to their next destination, whether it be to the grocery store, gym or home. The jugger will then take the opportunity to either break into the customer’s vehicle or rob them directly. How to Identify a Potential Jugger Juggers will back their cars into a parking spot with a clear view of the front door, ATM or drive-through lanes. Watch for: • A vehicle moving between several parking spaces. • Occupants of the vehicle never entering the building. • Vehicles with more than one passenger. • Vehicles with dark tinted windows or limited visibility to the interior. Safety Tips to Share With Customers • Conceal your bank deposit bags, envelopes, etc. as you enter and leave the bank. • Always keep your cash with you when you go to your next destination. Never try to hide it in your vehicle. • Always check your surroundings. If something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t. • When you get back into your car, or are at an ATM drive-through, make sure your doors are locked so no one can force their way in. • If you feel like you’re being followed, drive to a police station or call 911. • Make your trip to the bank the last stop of your errands. • If possible, vary the time and routes that you use for bank visits. As jugging continues to increase in frequency, lobby employees (mainly tellers) should be aware of this scheme. Knowing the signs of a potential jugger, as well as providing customers with discreet reminders about safety and prevention, will be a significant deterrent to this crime happening to your customers. HB
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