Two Los Angeles County men were arrested in connection with theft and fraud cases in which victims had debit cards secretly switched while banking in Lemon Grove and elsewhere in San Diego County, according to Patch and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.

Sergio Romero, 40, and Franklin Florez, 31, were arrested Tuesday after sheriff’s deputies, detectives and the San Diego Fugitive Task Force located them following another suspected fraud incident in Lemon Grove. The investigation began in May after reports involving Wells Fargo branches and ATMs in Lemon Grove.

Authorities said at least five Lemon Grove victims, including two elderly victims, were defrauded. Reported losses ranged from $100 to more than $2,700, with known losses in Lemon Grove totaling about $5,990, according to the sheriff’s office.

Investigators said victims were approached during routine banking transactions and distracted before their cards were allegedly exchanged for similar cards. Detectives connected the Lemon Grove cases to about 15 additional incidents being investigated by police agencies in San Diego, Chula Vista and Carlsbad.

Romero was booked on suspicion of elder fraud, robbery, identity theft, grand theft and resisting or obstructing a peace officer. Florez was booked on suspicion of robbery, identity theft and conspiracy. For Santee and East County residents, the case is a reminder to shield PIN entries, avoid accepting help from strangers at ATMs and verify cards before leaving a bank machine.