Chicago retiree mistakenly donates thousands to ‘charity.’ Here’s how WGN got it back

CHICAGO — As a recent retiree, Maria Maldonado closely watches her spending.

She says she cooks most meals at home, and every week drives from the Pullman neighborhood to buy gas in Hammond, Indiana. The cost-cutting moves have helped her get by.

That is, until the 69-year-old encountered a problem she never saw coming.

“I don’t want this to happen to anyone else,” Maldonado said.

In late August, Maldonado visited a gas station in Hammond. She went inside and used her debit card to buy $35 worth of gas.

It wasn’t until later that she realized she was charged a total of $3,535. The amount included the fuel purchase, plus a $3,500 “charity” donation.

The receipt said, “charity department.”

“I did not approve this,” she said. “The clerk never asked me if I wanted to donate.”

Maldonado reported the issue to the gas station and her bank. But because she paid with her debit card, she said she was told there nothing they could do. The money was gone.

“I was in disbelief,” Maldonado said.

The head of the Chicago Better Business Bureau said he’s seen cases like this before.

“The banks are making it difficult to get your money back when you feel the situation is needed,” said Steve Bernas, the bureau’s president and CEO.    

Maldonado’s story brings up an important issue: Point-of-sale charity donations are becoming more common at retailers. A recent “Engage for Good” report found just 92 fundraising campaigns nationwide managed to raise $275 million dollars. 

But the report notes retailers should follow certain guidelines when it comes to donations, including maintaining appropriate tax records.

In Maldonado’s case, it’s unclear if the mistake was made by her or an employee of the gas station.

What is known is that after WGN Investigates contacted the station’s owner, he agreed to refund Maldonado’s money. Now, she’s waiting on the check to arrive.

“I would be ever so grateful,” she said.