Atlanta teacher warns others after fake water boys attempt 500 Cash App scam

JaTawn Robinson, an Atlanta teacher, warned the public about a scam involving young "water boys" after a near-attempt to charge her $500 through Cash App. Driving near Interstate 20, she offered cash to a group selling bottled water, but one boy insisted on a mobile payment, claiming it was for his basketball team. An older teen then grabbed her phone and attempted to make a payment, resulting in a declined transaction notification. Robinson was relieved her account did not have enough funds to fulfill the request, but the encounter left her shaken. Local police have reported similar scams and advised drivers to keep their windows closed and avoid handing over cash or phones.

The rise in such scams has raised safety concerns, particularly as the holiday season approaches. Investigators have not disclosed details about the suspects or whether they are part of an organized group. The term "water boy" in Atlanta typically refers to youths selling bottled water, but some have turned this hustle into a source of aggressive scams.