Scammers posing as high school athletes are approaching shoppers at busy Pinellas County shopping centers, carrying candy and asking for donations to fake sports fundraisers, the Largo Police Department warned July 20.

The scheme works like this: someone claiming to be a student athlete offers candy and asks shoppers to contribute to a team fundraiser. Instead of collecting cash, the scammer directs the shopper to scan a QR code or open a payment app. In some cases, the scammer asks to hold the shopper's phone to complete the transaction.

The Largo Police Department posted the alert on its official Facebook page, noting that the department "recently learned" about the scam circulating at area shopping plazas. LPD did not name specific locations.

Largo borders Clearwater to the south, and the two cities share several retail corridors. The warning applies to anyone shopping at Largo-area centers.

How to spot the scam

LPD listed five precautions for anyone approached by a supposed student fundraiser:

  • Look for coaches or parents nearby. Legitimate youth fundraisers almost always have adult supervision on site.
  • Be cautious about scanning QR codes from strangers.
  • Never hand your phone to someone and let them complete a donation on your behalf.
  • Walk away if you feel pressured or if something feels off.
  • Donate directly through your local school or an official athletic organization if you want to support student athletes.

The department acknowledged that the scam exploits community goodwill. Scammers "know that people are happy to support local students and they're taking advantage of that kindness," LPD wrote in its Facebook post.

No arrests or loss figures reported

LPD's alert appears to be precautionary. The department did not report any arrests, name suspects or disclose how much money victims may have lost. It is unclear how many people have been targeted.

How to report

Anyone who encounters suspicious fundraising activity at a shopping center can call the Largo Police Department's non-emergency line at 727-587-6730.