Pop-up market vendors scammed

A new scam targeting street vendors leaves local businesses out hundreds of dollars. Jennifer McGraw reports on Aug. 11, 2024.

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[RandA]

Remember back when the news used to give descriptions of criminals so the public can keep an eye out?

[wilhelmZ]

You really think a scammer has any remorse for what they do.

[notchomomma]

It sounds like the thieves are quite familiar with the Square system.

[muzkat]

Yeah, it's "shady", shady as you know what. But these scam artists have no heart; they don't care who they victimize... they're just soulless beings.

[RaikaSTi]

That's why both parties need to confirm that the tap pay has been completed on both ends; if buyer paid, if seller received payment. Don't just trust the buyer that they "tapped"

[LiveWhereYouPark]

I’m confused. As a vendor I always check the transaction is complete and the money is there before I let a customer walk away. You would do that at a retail job. I would never go by what a customers device shows.

[MiC-T]

As they sell counterfeit Hello Kitty and Dodgers items.

[George-fh]

The problem with cash only transactions is that you lose a segment of the customers who only carry cards or apps. You also risk holding onto cash and getting robbed. The only way to make certain is to check your balance before the customers leave.

[d.j.m]

They’re low-key scamming too with those counterfeit Hello Kitty/NFL t-shirts

[Tomimi]

Imagine stealing from your own community who's just trying to make ends meet. If you're smart enough to cheat the square system you're smart enough to get a good paying job

[mahealanihawaii]

Cash is king. Stop using these card apps that take no responsibility.

[commentator.]

Sellers should probably make sure the transaction went through tho. I’ve been to these places and they don’t even check so that’s what these scammers took advantage of

[demetriv.]

seems off that Square would accept losing 6 vendors over just reimbursing a collective total of $700?

[NeilHoward-kpgc]

At this point everything is a scam.🤔🤦🏼😞

[dolamike]

If you don’t see the money in your account then don’t give them the product. Its that simple. Gypsies do this a lot in Orange County.

[thiskneegrow]

This is literally the sellers fault. That’s why it only works on these street vendors

[randosando]

So the poor "victim" vendors get scammed while they are scammers themselves selling fake and unlicensed merchandise at these shady pop ups. Karma at its finest.

[DAMusic-quec]

Vendors should be checking their confirmation that the payment was received on their end. There will always be thieves. You have to protect yourself.

[Borderlands]

Don’t give product(s) until money is “in the bank”.

[JESUSAVES-ni]

😢😢poor girl. I hope you guys catch the thieves