Criminals are using a deceptive tap to pay charity scam to steal thousands of dollars from unsuspecting donors. By entering inflated amounts on payment terminals during fake fundraisers, scammers trick victims into authorizing massive charges. Law enforcement agencies, including police in Brentwood and the Washington state attorney general, have issued urgent warnings as reports of this financial fraud rise across the United States.
How does the tap to pay charity scam work?
The scam involves solicitors approaching individuals for small donations, such as $5 or $20, for fake fundraisers. They then enter a significantly higher amount, sometimes thousands of dollars, into a payment terminal. If a donor taps their phone or card without verifying the screen, they inadvertently authorize the inflated charge. Victims have reported losing thousands of dollars in single transactions after being misled by these deceptive tactics.
How to protect yourself from payment fraud
To avoid falling victim to this fraud, always verify the transaction amount on the terminal screen before tapping your device or card. Never hand your unlocked phone to a stranger, even if they claim a transaction failed. If a payment issue arises, cancel the process immediately. Additionally, regularly review your financial statements to ensure you were charged only the intended amount for any donations or purchases.
