The City of Atlanta recently posted a public safety alert warning drivers about interactions with so-called "Water Boys"—young men who sell bottled water at busy intersections throughout the city. The advisory, which appeared in a social media post and public bulletins from the Atlanta Police Department, includes a series of strong cautions: not to hand over your phone, leave valuables visible, unlock your car doors, or confront aggressive solicitors.
This warning comes just weeks after multiple news outlets reported that some of the infamous Water Boys been accused of scamming drivers through fraudulent Cash App transactions. According to the report, unsuspecting motorists who handed over their phones to complete a payment later discovered sometimes hundreds of dollars leaving their accounts.
Police say the hustle to sell water has at times turned confrontational, with groups of sellers swarming cars, tapping on windows, or pressuring drivers into buying. While many of the Water Boys are simply young entrepreneurs trying to earn money, authorities stress that safety concerns have escalated as reports of theft and intimidation have increased.
City leaders have faced pressure to respond to these incidents, balancing the need to support youth employment with protecting public safety. The new PSA is part of that effort to educate drivers and prevent further scams or confrontations. Officials advise anyone who feels threatened to call 911 immediately.
