(NewsNation) — The Federal Bureau of Investigation is warning Americans to be careful at the ATM as the agency records an uptick in “bank jugging” robberies in the northeast.

The alert from the FBI Baltimore Field Office references at least 21 jugging crimes in the first week of July.

What is bank jugging?

Bank jugging is a technique used by criminals that involves spotting a victim withdrawing money at their bank or through an ATM window, then following them home and robbing them.

The method guarantees victims have cash on them while also offering robbers a more private place to commit the crime.

Bank jugging is a nationwide trend

Though the alert is Maryland-specific, bank jugging has impacted communities across the country, from Texas to California to Virginia.

Dallas, Texas, resident Mark Gardner experienced “bank jugging” firsthand in December 2023. While backing into his driveway, he was met by three men. Two were armed, pointing weapons at Gardner and his stepson.

“Well, it was a little bit hair-raising for a moment,” Gardner told NewsNation. Gardner sped up and avoided the robbery.

For instance, police in Fairfax County, Virginia, said they have been investigating at least 10 incidents they have recorded since last April.

These crimes can be very lucrative for those who pursue them. Thieves made off with $20,000 from one woman at a recent jugging in Riverside, California.

How to prevent bank jugging

Epperson and the Fairfax County police suggested taking precautions to prevent bank jugging.

Here’s how:

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Conceal any dollar bills you have on you
• Make sure you lock your car with your windows closed

You should also think about making your bank schedules irregular so that thieves aren’t able to predict your routes. If you see anything suspicious, report it to authorities.

NewsNation’s Evan Lambert and Zaid Jilani contributed to this report.