Scammers are exploiting tap-to-pay donation systems to charge donors much higher amounts than intended, turning a $20 gift into a $2,000 charge, according to tech expert Kurt Knutsson. This tactic involves changing the transaction amount on the screen without the donor noticing, undermining trust in charitable giving, Fortune.com reported.
The scam takes advantage of the newer tap-to-pay technology, where donors agree to a specific amount but the displayed number is altered by scammers during the transaction. Knutsson explained that this bait-and-switch method relies on donors not closely watching the screen. This trend threatens the confidence millennials and Gen Z donors place in nonprofits, especially as they seek meaningful engagement through giving.
The issue is significant amid economic pressures such as inflation and stagnant wages, which make discretionary spending more cautious. Bloomerang’s 2026 Giving Signals Report, conducted with The Harris Poll, found that younger donors want to feel part of a cause and trust the organizations they support. However, scams like these erode that trust and could impact donation patterns across the sector.
The report surveyed over 1,000 U.S. donors and 400 fundraising leaders in March 2026, highlighting the growing concern about security in digital donations and the importance of maintaining donor confidence in nonprofit organizations.