Retail
San Mateo police warn of self-checkout scams targeting seniors
August 7, 2025
The San Mateo Police Department in San Mateo, California is alerting the public about a scam targeting senior citizens at self-checkout lanes.
Individuals are approaching elderly shoppers, building rapport and asking for help purchasing a low-cost item. While the victim is distracted, the scammers add more items to the transaction and then leave before the victim completes the purchase, according to an ABC 7 News report.
Police have confirmed at least two incidents at the Target in the Bridgepointe Shopping Center.
"They build up rapport with the individual, and then kind of hit him with 'I need food for my family' or 'we need some sort of baby supply' or something like that," police department spokesperson Andrew Peek told the news outlet.
Police are encouraging residents to be cautious and report any suspicious activity to help prevent further incidents.
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