Consumers in western Pennsylvania are being warned after a scam targeting grocery store customers in the Schiller Township Big Eagle parking lot surfaced.
According to CBS News Pittsburgh, authorities say the suspect allegedly told people to collect donations for a funeral, then asked them to pay using their debit or credit cards instead of cash (1).
Investigators say the suspects then used electronic devices to copy card information and make unauthorized charges, and they believe the group may be operating in multiple areas.
Payment technology and portable card readers have become a common part of modern retail transactions, enabling contactless purchases in seconds.
As pointed out in a 2024 article by PYMNTS, MasterCard reported that contactless payments accounted for 70% of its transactions by Q3 of that year (2). And according to a 2025 report by digital banking services company Checkly, nearly 90% of consumers nationwide already use contactless payments (3).
While this method of payment is fast and convenient, it also creates opportunities for criminals to process the payment without the victim seeing the complete transaction.
In some cases, victims may not see the sum before typing. In others, scammers can quickly adjust the size or move the device out of sight, making it easier to overcharge or capture card information.
When victims check their bank statements, they may discover that they were charged more than they expected, or that their card information was forged and used elsewhere.
But a major flaw with these scams can be uncovered by savvy consumers who take their time before they donate to a cause – pressure to give money “there and then” is a huge red flag.
“It’s really important that you know exactly who you’re giving to,” Caitlin Driscoll, director of public relations with the Better Business Bureau of Western Pennsylvania, told CBS (1).
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions about who the donation affects, the organization that collects them. You don’t have to give on the spot.”
In a Facebook post (4), the Shaler Township Police Department asked residents to use caution, saying, “Do not give out personal or financial information to anyone asking for money in person or over the phone. If you have questions, please contact our agency.”
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Contactless payments are a modern day convenience that can feel safe as they have become more common. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t risks.
The Federal Trade Commission has reported that consumers will lose more than $12.5 billion to fraud by 2024, and that fraudsters are becoming more aggressive and inventive with their tactics (5). Scammers play on people’s emotions and can use triggers like medical emergencies, funerals or disasters to take advantage of generosity and create an emergency.
Remember that a donation is not an obligation. If you want to donate, legitimate charities and fundraisers will give you time to research them and donate through official channels. The Better Business Bureau (6) recommends verifying a charity through Give.org first.
If someone approaches you for a donationWatch out for these red flags:
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Rejects cash and insists on card.
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It forces you to act immediately.
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Provides vague details about the charity or fundraiser.
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Covers the amount of the transaction at the tap-to-pay terminal.
If you find unauthorized charges After payment transaction:
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Contact your bank or card issuer immediately and report the transaction as fraudulent.
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Request a chargeback or dispute the transaction.
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Cancel or freeze your card to prevent overcharges.
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Monitor your account closely for additional suspicious activity.
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Consider putting a fraud alert on your credit file.
Paying may be convenient today, but convenience should not replace caution. You can still help safely, without feeling pressured to do so. If you see any red flags or feel something, go and report the incident to the local police.
Being aware and aware can be your best way to protect yourself and your wallet.
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CBS News (1); PYMNTS (2); Chuckle (3); Shaler Township Police Department/Facebook (4); Federal Trade Commission (5); Better Business Bureau (6)
This article provides information only and should not be used as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
