Fraudsters posing as charity collectors are exploiting contactless payments by asking for small donations, then entering a far larger sum before the victim taps a phone or card. The scam matters because the payment may appear legitimate once authenticated, leaving people vulnerable to losses of hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Police and the Washington State Attorney General have warned about solicitors approaching people outside shops and in busy public places, sometimes using Square or Cash App. Reported cases included a $15 donation becoming a $4,800 charge and a $20 donation becoming nearly $5,000; consumers should check the amount on screen before approving and never hand an unlocked phone to a stranger.