Authorities in San Mateo County are warning shoppers on the Peninsula about a scam targeting seniors involving self-checkout at retail stores.

On Wednesday, the San Mateo Police Department issued an advisory to residents about the scam, which typically involves suspects working in pairs. The scam has reportedly taken place at stores such as Safeway and Target.

During the scam, one of the suspects would begin striking up a conversation with the victim. After building rapport, the suspect would then ask the victim to pay for an item such as essential food, medicine or childcare products.

"The first suspect will approach that community member, ask them out of the kindness of their hearts to pay for something like food or baby formula. And while the victim is distracted, another suspect wil

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