GASTONIA, N.C. — A Gastonia man's generosity led to hundreds of dollars being drained from his account as he joins a growing number of people falling victim to smartphone cash app thefts.
This latest case happened Sunday afternoon when, according to a police report, a stranger borrowed a man's phone. In a span of 20 minutes, the suspect used the Venmo app to surreptitiously transfer $600 from the victim's account to the suspect's card.
Investigators told NBC Charlotte they don't have a suspect at this time.
It's the second known Venmo theft case in the region after victims reported similar thefts in Charlotte and Belmont.
Belmont Police Sergeant Arthur Pullen said people shouldn't give their smartphones to strangers under any circumstances.
"Me personally, I would not allow anyone to use my personal cell phone," Sgt. Pullen said. "It's just not safe to do so these days."