Police are warning River North residents and visitors about a string of deceptive robberies occurring in the 18th District.
A group of men is reportedly using social media and donation requests to gain access to victims’ phones before draining their bank accounts.
According to the Chicago Police Department, the offenders approach people and ask for a donation or request a “follow” on Instagram.
Once the victim hands over their phone, the offenders quickly transfer money using apps like Zelle or Apple Pay.
If a victim realizes what is happening and refuses to cooperate, the group uses physical force to keep the phone or complete the theft.
In one violent instance, a victim was lured away from the main street toward a group of men who then robbed them by force.
Incident Locations
All recent incidents occurred on the 600 block of North Dearborn Street during the early morning hours on weekends:
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Dec. 13: 3:00 AM
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Dec. 20: 3:30 AM
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Dec. 20: 5:00 AM
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Dec. 21: 3:30 AM
Suspect Descriptions
Witnesses describe the suspects as a group of 3 to 8 African American males, aged 20 to 30.
They were last seen wearing dark clothing and often operate as a coordinated crew.
How to Protect Yourself
To stay safe in River North, police recommend the following:
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Never hand your phone to a stranger, even for a “follow” or a quick donation.
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Be aware of your surroundings, especially between 2:00 AM and 5:00 AM.
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Avoid remote or dark areas with people you do not know.
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Set up biometric security (FaceID or TouchID) for all financial apps like Zelle and Venmo.
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Call 9-1-1 immediately if you see suspicious activity and try to note any unique physical traits or getaway vehicles.
