Audio By Carbonatix

What should’ve been a two-dollar act of kindness turned into a $1,100 nightmare for Tristen Richardson. She said she rolled down her window for a group of “water boys” selling bottled water at an Atlanta intersection. When she offered to send money through Cash App, one of the teens insisted on typing in the username himself. Moments later, the payment went through…except it wasn’t two dollars. It was more than a thousand.

She’s not the only one. Another driver reported losing $1,000 the same way, at the same intersection. In a third case, a woman off Interstate 20 near Joseph E. Lowery Blvd said she scanned a QR code and unknowingly sent $800.

The “water boys” scam

The scam works when so-called water boys, typically teens hawking plastic bottles of water to thirsty drivers, end up with customer phones. It happens quickly and subtly. The vendor will “check” to make sure the transaction information is correct. 

Victims say they expected a quick digital tip, but once the teen is holding the device, they type in a much larger amount and send the payment before giving the phone back.

Richardson has filed a police report and is now disputing the charge through Cash App. While that process plays out, she’s started an online fundraiser to help recover her losses.

She shared her experience in an emotional TikTok video that has since gone viral. Hundreds of commenters have echoed similar stories. Richardson said she had never heard of the trick before and warned others not to roll down their windows.

The reports were first detailed by FOX 5 Atlanta, which has tracked several similar complaints in recent weeks.

How to avoid app-based scams like this

Never hand over your unlocked phone to a stranger, like any water boys. If you want to tip or donate, ask the recipient to show their QR code and scan it yourself. Better yet, pre-load common tip amounts into your payment app and double-check the final number before you hit send. There’s also just good-ole-cash.