Albemarle County Police are investigating two incidents where a man claimed he was collecting donations for his son and attempted to steal thousands of dollars from shoppers.
Investigators believe the two incidents on Dec. 7 in parking lots at popular shopping centers are related, one at Target and another at Trader Joe’s.
In both, the suspect attempted transactions worth thousands of dollars after telling the victims he was collecting money for his son through Square. During the interactions, additional suspects approached the victims or were observed nearby. According to the victims, the men involved in the alleged fraud were Black. No other description was provided.
In the Target parking lot, the suspect took the victim’s phone and credit card and attempted three fraudulent transactions totaling $4,250.
In the Trader Joe’s parking lot, the suspect initiated transactions worth $5,000 from the victim.
Police, responding to questions on social media, elaborated.
“In one case, the suspects stole the phone and credit card out of the victim’s hand. In the other, the victim provided their phone. Both victims had their property returned to them.”
Several people replied on the post reporting similar scams recently at Aldi, Kroger and Stonefield.
Police believe the group may be traveling in a dark colored SUV and released a possible suspect vehicle.
Anyone who has information on either incident or who was approached in a similar manner is asked to contact ACPD’s criminal investigations division at (434) 296-5807.
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Crystal Graham
