Fundraiser scams outside grocery stores; Kenosha police alert
Fundraiser scams outside grocery stores
The Kenosha Police Department announced on Wednesday, May 7 that scammers are targeting Kenosha shoppers outside grocery stores.
KENOSHA, Wis. - The Kenosha Police Department announced on Wednesday, May 7 that scammers are targeting Kenosha shoppers outside grocery stores. In one case, thousands of dollars was on the line.
Fundraiser scam alert
What we know:
During a quick trip to the grocery store, there is usually one goal – get in, get out. But for Kenosha shoppers over the last two weeks, police said some folks are trying to clean them out.
Kenosha Police Department
Individuals outside of Meijer and Alsi have been claiming to collect donations for charitable causes, but insist on accepting only credit card payments. Officials say they then request to use the victim's cellphone to process the donation, leading to unauthorized charges.
What they're saying:
"Asked them to provide a donation to the loss of a child down in Chicago," said Kenosha Police Officer Joshua Hecker. "This group of individuals is asking them to turn over their cellphones and their credit cards."
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Police said they know about two cases involving at least two groups of men. Investigators discovered once the scammers get the phone or credit card, they try to charge a large amount of money.
Officials said it almost cost one woman nearly $5,000. She was able to quickly get the charges reversed.
Protect yourself
What you can do:
Shoppers on Wednesday told FOX6 News they have not seen these groups, but they do have their ways of avoiding them.
"I just walk past, and I give to my charities of choice," said Pat, a shopper.
"Most of the time, I keep it moving, but sometimes I’ll stop and ask what their story is because it really does depend on eye contact and their body posture," said Pina Pozzi, a shopper.
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Police said in these situations, follow your gut.
"If the situation doesn’t seem appropriate, it probably isn’t," Hecker said.
If you have questions about a group asking for donations, ask for their paperwork. Never give away your phone or your credit or debit cards to strangers. If the solicitors will not leave you along, call police.
You are also invited to report any suspicious activity to the Kenosha Police Department's non-emergency line at 262-656-1234.
The Source: The information in this post was provided by the Kenosha Police Department.