04/20/2026
๐จ SCAM ALERT โ CHIME PAYMENT APP FRAUD ๐จ
The Bristol Police Department would like to make residents aware of a recent increase in scams involving the Chime payment app.
Over the past couple of weeks, we have received 5 reports where victims were targeted through ads found on Facebook Marketplace and other Facebook listings. These scams have involved:
โข Apartment rentals
โข Dog adoptions/rescues
โข Items for sale
How the scam works:
Scammers are taking legitimate ads and reposting them as their own. Once contact is made, they request a deposit through the Chime app. After receiving the initial payment, they continue to ask for more money for things like:
โข Spare keys
โข Mailbox changes
โข Paperwork or transaction fees
Once payments are sent, the scammer disappears.
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โ ๏ธ What to watch for:
โข Deals that seem too good to be true
โข Requests for payment before seeing a property/item in person
โข Sellers or โlandlordsโ who cannot meet locally
โข Pressure to send money quickly
โข Requests to use payment apps like Chime, Cash App, Venmo, etc.
โข Multiple unexpected fees after an initial payment
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How to protect yourself:
โข Never send money upfront for rentals, pets, or marketplace items
โข Always meet in person and verify the property/item is legitimate
โข Confirm ownership (especially with rentals) through public records or known contacts
โข Avoid payment apps for transactions with people you do not know
โข Be cautious of anyone asking for additional payments after a deposit
โข Trust your instincts โ if something feels off, it probably is
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๐ If you believe you have been targeted or scammed, please contact the Bristol Police Department immediately.
Please take a moment to check in with elderly family members, as scammers often target them.
Stay safe, Bristol.