Scott Scurlock, the enigmatic mastermind behind a series of daring bank heists across Seattle in the 1990s, is the focal point of Netflix’s latest documentary, How to Rob a Bank. Directed by Seth Porges and Stephen Robert Morse, the Netflix true crime documentary delves into the gripping true story of Scurlock, along with his accomplices Mark Biggins and Steve Meyers, who orchestrated these heists during the tech boom era. Drawing from archival footage and interviews with the robbers, their friends, family members, How to Rob a Bank explores the intricate planning and execution of these heists.

Central to the narrative is Scurlock’s transformation from a premed student at The Evergreen State College to a seasoned bank robber. The Netflix crime documentary offers insight into his meticulous planning and charismatic persona, which captivated both his accomplices and law enforcement. How to Rob a Bank ends in a dramatic shootout with police that ultimately leads to Scurlock’s demise and the imprisonment of his associates. While the documentary is meant as a cautionary tale about the allure of criminality, it is truly staggering just how many banks Scurlock robbed and how much money he stole before his death.

Scott Scurlock Robbed 17 Banks In Seattle, Washington

The Last One Would End With His Death

Under the direction of Scott Scurlock, Mark Biggins and Steve Meyers executed 19 confirmed bank robberies across 17 banks in Seattle between 1992 and 1996. In How to Rob a Bank, Biggins and Meyers detail how they took orders from Scurlock, an unconventional leader who lived in a treehouse and orchestrated their criminal endeavors with precision. Initially a premed student at The Evergreen State College, Scurlock’s ambition for quick wealth led him to produce crystal meth, resulting in his expulsion (via The Seattle Times).

Scurlock’s thorough research and preparation were key to the success of their heists. The documentary reveals how they befriended bank tellers to gain insider information, including employee manuals and cash handling protocols. By understanding bank procedures and timing their robberies precisely when the cash deliveries were made, they maximized their hauls. They also meticulously documented police patrol schedules, ensuring they struck when the coast was clear. During a robbery, if an accomplice spotted police, they would signal “Mama’s coming,” indicating the need for immediate caution.

Scott Scurlock Stole Over $2 Million From Robbing Banks In The 1990s

$2.3 Million To Be Precise

With the help of Biggins and Meyers, Scurlock robbed 17 banks of $2.3 million, “making him one of the most prolific bank robbers in U.S. history” (via Washington Secretary of State). Disguises played a crucial role in their heists, with Biggins donning a Ronald Reagan mask and Scurlock using prosthetic makeup that earned him the nickname “Hollywood.” He was particularly influenced by the 1991 action thriller Point Break, starring Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves (via Hello Magazine).

After each robbery, they meticulously checked the stolen money for electronic tracers, buried their gear, and burned their clothes to avoid detection. Scurlock’s nomadic lifestyle, funded by the stolen money, saw him traveling the world and supporting friends and environmental causes like Earth First. His actions and donations furthered his self-image as a modern-day Robin Hood, stealing from the rich to support worthy causes, blending his criminal activities with a sense of twisted altruism.