The Street Scam That Looks Legit (But Isn't)

Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
5 days ago
2 min read

No one wants to get blindsided by fraud. I try to stay on top of the latest scams so I can avoid them - and help you do the same.

Lately, I’ve noticed a type of street scam that’s been popping up in Chicago (I suspect a block from my office on Southport, in front of Jewel). The setup looks official: a card table, someone in a vest with a badge, clipboard, and iPad. They say they’re collecting donations for a charity—or sometimes even for something heartbreaking, like a murdered child’s funeral.

The ask is small—maybe $10 or $25 on your card. But once they’ve got your info, the scam begins: fake charges, or worse, identity theft.

A story in The Economist really caught my eye: solicitors set up outside the Art Institute, but when asked for a city solicitor’s license, they produced nothing more than a screenshot of a letter on a phone. No license, no affiliation with Amnesty International. The magazine checked city council records and with Amnesty International itself—definitely a scam.

No one is certain of the size of the problem. Many victims don’t report it, or don’t even realize where their credit card number was compromised.

✅ How to Protect Yourself

Be skeptical of unsolicited solicitations. Real charities will have a proper city license if they’re fundraising on the street.
If in doubt, use credit—not debit. Credit cards carry stronger consumer protections than debit cards, Venmo, or Zelle.
Support the real charities! Scammers aren’t just stealing from you—they’re also taking away from organizations that truly need support. The safest way to give is still the “boring” way: directly through official websites.