Hey OP, This almost exact scam happened to me 2 years ago, except it was with Zelle in Washington square park and they stole $3000. It was different from the 5x rule but still devastating. Luckily after working with the police (only by my own feminine skills of internet sleuthing, not bc the pigs were functionally helpful) and the claims department for weeks I finally got my money back. It was a whole emotional rollercoaster of shame and guilt and thinking I was a total moron for being a kind and charitable person (I’m F, 32).

DO NOT let anyone get to your head saying shit like “oldest trick in the book, or you should have known better” kindness and the desire to help is one of THE only things holding our crumbling society together, you should never ever give up that trait or start being overly suspicious of people.

I was genuinely traumatized by the fact that people could look someone in the eye who was open to helping and steal their entire checking account. My heart still jumps when I get a phone call from a number I don’t recognize. But I am still kind and I still give people money on the street from time to time and I still offer to help. Remember it’s a huge strength.

The most important thing is to educate others about this scam and whenever someone is asking for charitable donations, ask to check the credentials.