Greg's Corner

Beware the “Tap to Pay” Charity Scam

By Greg Collier

A troubling scam is making its way through parts of the Midwest, targeting those with generous hearts and good intentions. Lately, police in Maplewood, Minnesota, have begun investigating cases that appear to be linked to a growing trend seen in other cities like Chicago. The scam involves individuals posing as grieving family members who claim to be raising funds for the funeral of a child, often using emotionally charged stories and photos to gain sympathy. But behind the facade is a calculated effort to steal from unsuspecting victims.

In the reported Maplewood cases, victims were approached in grocery store parking lots by people holding clipboards and asking for small donations. The stories they shared involved a tragic death and a plea for help covering funeral expenses. What seems like a reasonable request for a few dollars quickly turns into financial fraud. Instead of accepting cash, the scammers insist on using a digital payment system, often tapping the victim’s card on a mobile device. Once the card is tapped, the victim is charged not for the small donation amount but for thousands of dollars.

In one instance, a local resident believed she was donating five dollars, only to find a five-thousand-dollar charge pending on her credit card shortly after leaving the store. The charge was flagged as suspicious by her bank, prompting an investigation. Police believe the transaction was processed through a vendor based out of Chicago, suggesting the scam may be traveling across state lines.

This tactic bears similarities to other charity scams reported in various regions. In each case, scammers rely on emotionally manipulative stories, urgent appeals, and fast, digital payment methods to trick people into surrendering large sums. These scams prey on empathy and exploit the convenience of modern financial technology to quickly drain funds before the victim even realizes what happened.

Authorities urge anyone who has been approached in a similar fashion to carefully check their bank and credit card statements for unusual activity. If anything seems suspicious, local law enforcement should be contacted immediately. While this scam has so far only resulted in a few reported cases in Maplewood, it mirrors a broader pattern of fraud that has impacted communities nationwide.

The public is reminded to remain cautious when approached for charitable donations in public spaces. Genuine charitable efforts will never pressure donors to pay using specific methods, nor will they obscure the terms of the transaction. Staying aware and trusting your instincts can help prevent you from becoming the next victim.