Authorities in Hoboken, New Jersey, are warning residents and commuters to be cautious after a series of financial scams left at least six people victimized over the past two weeks. According to police, the incidents occurred near some of the city’s busiest public areas and often began with a seemingly innocent request from a stranger to use a cellphone.
The Hoboken Police Department said it has received six separate reports involving unauthorized money transfers through popular payment platforms such as Zelle and Venmo. The scams were reported near Hoboken Terminal, the PATH station, Pier A, and Pier C along the city’s waterfront.
How the Scam Works
Investigators say the suspects typically approach individuals in public spaces and claim they are collecting money for a charitable cause. They then ask to borrow the person’s phone in order to process what appears to be a donation.
Once the victim hands over the device, the scammer allegedly accesses payment applications and transfers a larger amount of money than the victim intended to donate. In some cases, victims reportedly did not realize what had happened until after the transactions were completed…