Metro Nashville Police are putting residents on notice about a scam that’s been showing up at shopping centers across the city. The scheme involves young people posing as student fundraisers, and according to police, it’s costing victims thousands of dollars.

Officers say the scammers approach shoppers and claim to be raising money for a school or sports team. Once a victim agrees to donate and pulls out a payment app or card, the kids quickly change the transaction amount before running off with far more money than was agreed to.

“Sadly, we continue to see reports in Nashville where people are being scammed out of unauthorized amounts of money by young people posing as fundraisers, typically by way of third party apps,” Metro Nashville Police said in a statement.

The department was direct about what’s actually going on: “It is a plot to steal your money.”

These groups have been spotted at several well-trafficked retail locations around Nashville. The tactic is simple but effective. A kind-hearted shopper agrees to chip in a few dollars, hands over their phone or card, and by the time they realize what happened, the group is already gone with a much larger sum.

Police are asking anyone who spots or has a run-in with a group fitting this description to call 615-862-8600. If you’ve already been victimized, that same number is your starting point for filing a report.

The best protection is awareness. If someone approaches you outside a store claiming to fundraise for a school or team, be cautious about using any payment app or card. Consider carrying small amounts of cash if you want to donate, and never hand over your device or let someone else control the transaction amount.