This Surprising Bank Scam Is on the Rise Nationwide

It seems like there's a new crime term to be aware of.

Every day there seems to be a new kind of crime or scam that we need to be on the lookout for.

Crimes in Michigan

Heck, it doesn't even have to be a "new scam" for it to be the first time that you've heard of it. Case in point, I've never heard of THIS self checkout scam before, but apparently it's one of the oldest ones in the book.

Which brings me to this term that I had never heard of until recently: jugging.

What is Jugging?

Here's what I learned about jugging:

a crime in which a suspect, or group of suspects, targets customers believed to have large amounts of cash. The perpetrators either rob customers while in the parking lot of a bank, credit union, or ATM or follow them to their next location.

Authorities warn that this type of crime is up across the nation. Recently, surveillance footage of one incident from South Carolina has surfaced.

READ ALSO: These Scam Text Messages Are Flooding Phones in Michigan

This has always been a potential crime that I've been aware could happen, but I had no idea it had its own name, or that it was on the rise recently.

Avoid Jugging: ATM Safety Tips

There are some safety tips to keep in mind when stopping by the ATM:

1. Be aware of your surroundings. Look out for suspicious people or vehicles.
2. Report suspicious behavior to authorities
3. Hide your cash when leaving the bank.
4. If you think you're being followed, drive straight to the nearest police station.
5. Avoid getting sidetracked. Whether it's making a stop for a bite to eat or using your phone, it can wait until you've arrived safely with your cash.

Avoid jugging, and stay safe out there, Michiganders!