CHICAGO (WGN) — It’s known as a tap-and-pay scam, and it’s flourishing across Chicago, costing victims thousands of dollars.

Earlier this year, WGN Investigates reported how a Hyde Park man lost $3,000.

More recently, Lance Johnston, a recent college graduate, lost $4,000 in West Town.

After leaving a doctor’s office, Johnston was approached by a group of men who said they were collecting money for a child’s funeral.

“They dressed up real official claiming to be part of a neighborhood watch,” Johnston said.

He offered cash but they told him they could only accept debit card payments.

He agreed to donate $15 and handed them his card. They tapped it against a mobile phone, and he walked away thinking all was good. Soon after, though, he discovered they charged him $4,000, without his k

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