SHALER TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Shaler Township police are investigating a report of two suspects who allegedly scammed customers in a Giant Eagle parking lot on Monday.
The individuals were reportedly soliciting donations, saying they needed money for a funeral.
According to the Shaler Township Police Department, the suspects told victims they could not accept cash and requested credit or debit cards for the donations. Once they obtained the cards, the suspects electronically copied the information to access bank accounts or transfer funds to PayPal.
The suspects are described as two Black males. They were seen operating a black Chrysler Pacifica during the incidents.
Officials urged residents to be cautious when dealing with anyone soliciting money.
“Do not provide anyone soliciting money in person or over the phone with any personal or financial information,” the department stated in a Facebook post. “If you have questions, please feel free to contact our agency.”
Police are asking anyone who believes they were a victim of this scam or who has information about the suspects to contact the department.
Giant Eagle sent Channel 11 the following statement:
“We are aware of reported fraudulent activity that took place in the parking lot of our Shaler Giant Eagle earlier this week, and we are working with local authorities as they investigate the matter. We are advising our Pittsburgh-area supermarket locations to be vigilant, but there have been no other reported incidents. If customers notice any suspicious activity or unauthorized solicitation taking place in our parking lots, we encourage them to immediately report it to store leadership.”
“We all can’t be that trusting these days,” said Kathy Brooks, who shops at Giant Eagle regularly. “If somebody was saying a funeral and they wanted cash, I might give them a few dollars, but absolutely not a card.”
Other shoppers told Channel 11 they feel sorry for the victims but believe everyone needs to keep their guard up, even when trying to help someone.
“You just have to watch out for yourself and be very careful,” said Paul Reed.
“To be so close to where I live, it’s just very scary,” said Mark Povich of Glenshaw. “I do a lot of research before putting any information in, and I usually ask around too.”
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