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Gatineau police are warning of a fraud scheme dubbed “theft by distraction” that has recently gained momentum.

Police said in a release Friday the scheme can vary in delivery, but it tends to involve several people working in concert to steal items from unsuspecting members of the public.

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“These thieves are men, women, teenagers, mothers with their babies. They are often friendly and sociable,” says the police news release, translated from French.

Typically, police said the schemes will involve a stakeout at a shop, where one of the suspects will attempt to gain someone’s banking credentials by watching them make a purchase. After, the suspects will follow the person out of the store.

Police said accomplices will attempt to distract the victim through a number of methods, such as by asking for directions, requesting for their photo to be taken, for help with their cellphone or by peddling a product.