The Brief
- Seattle police are warning tourists and upcoming FIFA World Cup attendees about an ongoing street scam targeting digital payments.
- Suspects posing as youth program fundraisers use handheld payment devices or QR codes to charge victims hundreds of dollars instead of the agreed-upon donation amount.
- Authorities advise the public to use cash for street donations, look out for high-pressure digital payment demands, and immediately report suspected fraud to 911.
SEATTLE – Seattle police are warning summer visitors, cruise ship passengers and upcoming FIFA World Cup attendees to be on alert for an ongoing street scam targeting digital payments.
According to detectives, suspects operating in groups of two to six are approaching people in high-traffic areas to solicit donations for underprivileged youth sports or music programs. In some instances, the individuals hand out homemade music CDs to attract potential victims.
While the interactions appear charitable, police say some of these individuals are actually seeking to steal money through credit card fraud and unauthorized digital payments.
How the scam works
Authorities report that suspects target tourists in downtown Seattle, the stadium areas and the Seattle waterfront. They ask individuals to buy a homemade CD or make a donation by running a credit card through a handheld Square device or by using a phone’s tap-to-pay system.…