PEARLAND, Texas (CW39) – Reports of teenagers selling candy in shopping center parking lots are raising new concerns after officials warned of a possible nationwide scam involving peer-to-peer payment apps like Cash App, Venmo, and Zelle.
In some cases, individuals allegedly ask shoppers to donate or complete payments on their own phones – creating a potential opening for unauthorized money transfers. Authorities with Pearland police say the situation is being reported in multiple states and is commonly referred to online as the “Cash App candy bar scam.”
What to know
- Teens may approach drivers in parking lots claiming to raise funds
- Some ask for Cash App, Venmo, or Zelle donations
- A reported scam involves asking to use your unlocked phone
- Once access is granted, unauthorized transfers may occur
- No confirmed local victims reported in Pearland at this time
- Residents urged to avoid handing over devices or payment control
Is this really a fundraiser or a scam?
Pearland officials say the activity often starts with what appears to be a harmless fundraising pitch. The pitch typically involves candy sales or donations for a youth group, team, or community cause. But in more concerning cases, the interaction escalates into requests for digital payments or direct access to a person’s phone – which is where the potential fraud risk begins.
The impact here is simple: What looks like a $5 candy bar moment can quickly turn into a much more expensive problem if personal accounts are exposed.
How does the “Cash App candy bar scam” work?
The reported scam follows a familiar pattern. Even brief access can be enough to cause financial loss, especially if apps are already logged in.
- A seller asks for help completing a digital payment and may request to use the victim’s phone.
- Once a device is unlocked, scammers can potentially access payment apps like Cash App, Venmo, or Zelle
- Scammer then initiates unauthorized transfers.
Why parking lots are a common target for these encounters?
Shopping center parking lots are high-traffic areas where people are distracted, in a hurry, or juggling purchases. That combination makes quick, persuasive interactions more effective. Authorities say scammers rely on urgency and social pressure – especially when targeting families who may be inclined to support what looks like a youth fundraiser…