Business & Finance
Police and officials warn of tap-to-pay charity scams costing victims thousands
Solicitors asking for small donations are allegedly entering highly inflated amounts into payment readers before victims tap their devices.
The short version
- Authorities are warning the public about a tap-to-pay scam where solicitors ask for small charity donations but charge victims thousands of dollars.
- Scammers enter highly inflated amounts into payment readers or smartphones, counting on distracted victims to tap their devices or cards without checking the screen.
- Law enforcement and consumer protection agencies advise people to always verify the transaction amount on the screen before paying and to never hand an unlocked phone to a stranger.
Key facts
- Criminals posing as charity or youth group solicitors are using mobile payment readers to charge inflated amounts to unsuspecting donors.[Fox News]
- In Washington State, the Attorney General's office issued a warning after two victims near the Seattle waterfront who intended to donate $15 and $20 were instead charged $4,800 and nearly $5,000, respectively.[Fox News]
- The Brentwood Police Department issued a similar warning in January 2026 regarding solicitors outside stores using tap-to-pay, Square, or Cash App to overcharge victims.[Fox News]
- Authorities advise anyone scammed to immediately contact their bank or card issuer to dispute the charges, take screenshots of the transactions, and file reports with local law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission.[Fox News]