Hoboken PD: Scammers asking for digital charity donations are draining bank accounts
HOBOKEN, New Jersey (WABC) -- Hoboken police issued a warning about scammers who ask to borrow people's phones - then drain their bank accounts.
Authorities say the suspects approached people near Pier A, Pier C and the PATH station and asked them to donate to a charity using Venmo or Zelle. The scammers would then ask for the victim's phone.
"When they do that...they add a few zeros to whatever number they put there," said Lt. Jonathan Mecka. They don't realize until...hours later that $3,000 was taken out, $2,000 was taken out, and at that point, the money's been moved so many times, it's hard to track."
Police say the scam occurred between May 27 and June 16. Six victims have come forward so far.
The uptick may be associated with increased outdoor activity during the warmer weather and World Cup games.
Anyone considering donating to a cause should get as much information as they can and ask questions before doing so, police say. They are reminding people not to hand over their phones to anyone.
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