Two Georgia teens and a 12-year-old have been charged with charity fraud this New Year’s.
According to WSB-TV, the three kids were handing out fliers with fictitious logos and descriptions of a basketball team fundraiser, trying to con money out of people on New Year’s Day
Dunwoody police officer Tim Fecht says he sees this kind of scheme about once a month. “We have a lot of retail and a lot of restaurants and they’re very busy and congested during lunch time hours and that’s prime opportunity to interact with people and try to get money,” he said.
“That’s kind of unfortunate because I don’t think that is the case for all the children,”said resident Kia Coachman. “A lot of these foundations do need to raise money.”
But other shoppers disagree and are more likely to keep a tighter grip on their wallets and purses. “I generally don’t give money to people I don’t know. I can’t verify their cause or whatever,” said Alex Cox.