FCPD Financial Crimes Unit are investigating a series of ATM thefts after Apple Federal Credit Union reported that $175,000 was stolen from one of its Fairfax branch ATMs.
Detectives from FCPD Financial Crimes Unit are investigating a series of ATM thefts after Apple Federal Credit Union reported that $175,000 was stolen from one of its Fairfax branch ATMs last month.
According to police, detectives believe the suspects may be connected to a scheme known as ATM jackpotting.
On Oct. 3, 2025, at 10:18 p.m., an unknown individual approached the drive-up ATM in the 4200 block of Members Way near Fair Oaks and used a key to open the machine. It remains unclear what actions were taken once it was accessed.
The same individual returned on Oct. 4, 2025, at 12:28 a.m., driving a late-model blue Jeep, and again opened the ATM. Around 1:15 a.m., two suspects, including the original individual, arrived in the same Jeep and accessed the machine for about 15 minutes while appearing to record it with their phones.
At 2 a.m., an unmasked suspect in the same Jeep began withdrawing cash without inserting a card or touching the ATM. He held a phone toward the machine while removing cash, left briefly, and returned at 2:09 a.m., remaining until 2:44 a.m. as withdrawals continued.
In ATM jackpotting, attackers compromise an ATM to force it to dispense large amounts of cash, according to police. This is accomplished by installing malware or a “black box” device to override the machine’s security, which can be done through physical access, such as a USB drive, or by intercepting communications between the ATM and its network. The term “jackpotting” comes from the way the ATM rapidly dispenses cash on command — similar to hitting a jackpot on a slot machine.
If you have information regarding this incident or believe you’ve been a victim, please FCPD our Financial Crimes Unit at 703-246-3533. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477)