Domestic Abuse Intervention Services warns Madison residents of scammers outside grocery stores

Brandon Arbuckle by Brandon Arbuckle

Domestic Abuse Intervention Services has warned Madison residents of scammers outside grocery stores.

According to a Friday news release from DAIS, residents have reported that individuals and pairs claiming to be DAIS clients have walked up to them outside grocery stores asking for money to access the organization’s services.

The solicitors have told shoppers that DAIS has encouraged them to ask for money in order to pay for shelter or other personal needs.

“DAIS services are free and confidential,” said DAIS Executive Director Shannon Barry.

The release said DAIS does not encourage or endorse clients who solicit people.

The organization has been told that these encounters in Madison have taken place outside Willy Street Co-Op, Festival Foods and Woodman’s. DAIS has since notified the stores’ management.

Madison police also encouraged residents through Twitter to be cautious of the solicitors asking for money and claiming to be abuse victims.

Be wary of people claiming to be abuse victims asking for money. Domestic Abuse Intervention Services says well-meaning people are giving money to those claiming DAIS requiring them to secure funds for housing etc. DAIS services free and confidential. https://t.co/JdTQ7KRyo5

— Madison Police (@madisonpolice) September 13, 2019

“It is disheartening to learn that people are taking advantage of compassionate individuals and creating false, bad impressions of those affected by domestic violence,” said Barry.

The release said it was believed that at least one of these individuals stole debit card information.

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