Douglas County Sheriff Warns Residents About Parking Lot Charity Scams

Suspects posing as charity workers have been approaching shoppers in Highlands Ranch grocery store parking lots and running their credit cards for far more than the stated donation amount, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office warns. Detectives say the scammers deploy portable mobile card readers and target people entering or exiting stores, when shoppers are distracted and least likely to scrutinize a transaction on the screen.

The first line of defense is also the simplest: look at the total on any card reader before tapping, swiping, or inserting a card. Legitimate charities rarely conduct in-person solicitations in parking lots without explicit permission from the store. Anyone approached by an unsanctioned solicitor should decline, note the person's description, any vehicle present, and any signage or paperwork they're carrying, then call the Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at 303-660-7500. For any situation that turns threatening, call 911.

If a card has already been swiped, contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately. Most major issuers can block unauthorized charges, reverse fraudulent payments, or issue a replacement card within days. Keep any receipts and record the exact time and location of the encounter; that detail gives the bank's fraud unit and sheriff's detectives a specific incident to investigate, not just a complaint.

If personal information beyond the card was shared, including your ID or PIN, place a fraud alert on your credit file right away and consider a full freeze until you can confirm no new accounts were opened in your name. Fraudulent accounts can surface within days of a data exposure. For suspected identity theft, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov, which generates a personalized recovery plan at no cost.

Before donating to any in-person solicitation, verify the organization through Charity Navigator or GuideStar, both of which publish tax-exempt status and financial disclosures for registered nonprofits. If the solicitor names a local organization, call that group directly during business hours to confirm whether it authorized an outdoor collection campaign. The sheriff's office has stressed that reputable nonprofits will welcome that call.

Every reported incident matters. The Sheriff's Office uses public reports to identify repeat offenders who rotate between shopping centers and to warn neighboring communities before the scam spreads. Preserve any photographs, video, or paperwork connected to the encounter before filing a report. Sheriff Darren Weekly's office posts active scam advisories and accepts tips through its non-emergency dispatch at 303-660-7500, with reports available around the clock.