Credit Card Donation Scam Leaves Chicago Woman with $4,000 Charge
A Chicago woman, Ana Criollo, learned a harsh lesson about the risks of donating to seemingly charitable causes via credit card after a $10 donation turned into a $4,000 fraudulent charge. The incident highlights the growing threat of scams targeting charitable giving and the difficulties consumers face in disputing unauthorized transactions.
The Incident at Home Depot
In early December, Criollo was approached by three individuals outside a Home Depot on North Elston Avenue in Chicago, who claimed to be collecting donations for a child who was a victim of gun violence. Without cash, she offered to donate $10 using her credit card. The group presented a card reader, and Criollo attempted to tap two different cards, but both were initially unsuccessful. The men then took her phone and credit card, claiming the transactions hadn’t gone through. Criollo declined to try a third card.
The Unexpected Charge
The following day, Criollo discovered a $4,000 charge on her Chase Bank account from a catering service in North Carolina. She immediately reported the fraud to Chase Bank and the Chicago police. However, her initial claim was denied by the bank, which stated she had authorized the charge, citing a receipt provided by the merchant.
NBC 5 Responds Intervention
Criollo contacted NBC 5 Responds and Telemundo Chicago Responde for assistance. NBC and Telemundo contacted both Chase Bank and Home Depot. Home Depot stated it has a no-solicitation policy at its stores. Following the intervention, Chase Bank reviewed the case again and ultimately credited Criollo’s account.
Chase Bank and Home Depot Respond
Chase Bank stated, “After further review, we let Ms. Criollo realize her account has been credited. As always, we remind customers it is their responsibility to protect their credit or debit cards — avoid handing your card or phone to others to process transactions, and always verify the dollar amount before completing any transaction or donation.”
Home Depot reiterated its commitment to customer safety, stating, “We’re sorry this happened. This isn’t the experience we want any of our customers to have.”
Protecting Yourself from Donation Scams
This incident serves as a cautionary tale for consumers. While donating to charitable causes is commendable, it’s crucial to exercise caution when using credit cards in public, especially with unfamiliar individuals or devices. Consumers should avoid handing their cards or phones to others for processing and always verify the transaction amount before completing it.
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