Detectives from the Fairfax County Police Department’s Financial Crimes Unit are investigating a significant ATM theft after Apple Federal Credit Union reported that $175,000 was stolen from one of its Fairfax branch ATMs in October.
According to police, the incident is believed to be linked to an ATM jackpotting scheme. On October 3, 2025, at approximately 10:18 p.m., an unidentified person used a key to open a drive-up ATM located in the 4200 block of Members Way near Fair Oaks. The actions taken after accessing the machine remain unknown.
The investigation found that the same individual returned on October 4 at 12:28 a.m. in a late-model blue Jeep and opened the ATM again. Later, around 1:15 a.m., two suspects—including the original individual—arrived in the same vehicle and accessed the machine for about 15 minutes while appearing to record their activity with their phones.
At 2:00 a.m., one unmasked suspect began withdrawing cash without using an ATM card or physically interacting with the keypad. He held his phone toward the machine while taking out money, left briefly, and then returned at 2:09 a.m., continuing withdrawals until about 2:44 a.m.
ATM jackpotting involves attackers installing malware or special devices inside ATMs to force them to dispense large sums of cash. This method can require physical access via tools such as USB drives or by intercepting communication between the ATM and its network.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about this incident or who believes they may have been affected to contact the Financial Crimes Unit at 703-246-3533. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477) or online through their website. Tipsters may be eligible for cash rewards if they provide information leading to an arrest.
The department encourages residents and businesses to register their security cameras with Connect Fairfax County, which assists law enforcement investigations and efforts to locate missing persons.
For further updates, police recommend following their blog and social media accounts on X, Facebook, and Instagram at @FairfaxCountyPD.