BOSTON—Boston Police are sounding the alarm on a wave of fraudulent charity scams sweeping through the area, with criminals allegedly pocketing a staggering $170,700 from unsuspecting victims in just 11 reported incidents.

The perpetrators, described as one to three Black male suspects aged between 20 to 40, have been targeting women in parking lots, claiming to raise funds for a deceased child or a related charity. These scams are not just local phenomena; similar schemes have been documented nationwide, raising serious concerns about the safety of charitable donations.

Victims have reported an alarming range of unauthorized charges, with amounts soaring between $4,000 to $50,000. The suspects have been using mobile payment devices, often taking control of victims’ phones or credit cards, and employing aggressive tactics to manipulate their targets. Notably, one suspect has a distinctive red tattoo above his left eye—a detail that could help identify him.

Boston Police Department officials shared these images with the public.

Moreover, police have reported seeing 2 to 4 younger male suspects near South Station, soliciting donations for a fictional football team or selling candy, employing similar aggressive behavior and card readers to extract money from unsuspecting patrons. As these incidents continue to unfold, the BPD warns the public to remain vigilant.

In a public safety reminder, authorities stress the importance of verifying charitable organizations independently before making any donations. If approached by these scammers, citizens are advised to maintain distance and report any suspicious activity immediately to law enforcement.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Boston Police Department at 911 or through the CrimeStoppers Tip Line:

📱 By Phone: 1-800-494-TIPS

💬 By Text: Text “TIP” to CRIME (27463)

🌐 Online: Boston Police CrimeStoppers