Grocery shoppers warned of ‘tap to pay’ parking lot scam

27 Feb 2026 • 8:39 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Residents in Charleston, South Carolina, are being warned about a new scam operating in grocery store car parks.
  • Scammers target individuals, particularly young mothers, by asking for donations for urgent causes such as funerals or medical expenses.
  • They use mobile card readers for "tap to pay" transactions, stating they cannot accept cash.
  • Victims who agree to small donations have reported discovering thousands, and in some cases tens of thousands, of dollars withdrawn from their bank accounts.
  • The Charleston Police Department is collaborating with local churches and community groups to educate residents on how to avoid these scams.

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