Chicago police are warning residents about a string of robberies targeting people who try to sell their cellphones online.
At least eight incidents have been reported in the Austin and North Lawndale neighborhoods since June, and investigators believe two male suspects are behind the crimes.
How the Scam Works
According to police, the suspects reach out to victims through social media after spotting a phone listed for sale.
They arrange an in-person meeting, and once the buyer and seller connect, the suspect grabs the phone and runs off without paying.
In several cases, the robbery escalated to violence. One victim was punched in the face, and two others had guns pointed at them during the encounter.
The robberies have taken place at various times of day, from early afternoon to nearly 9 p.m., suggesting the suspects are not sticking to a single pattern when it comes to timing.
Where the Robberies Happened
Police released a list of dates and locations connected to the case:
The first reported incident happened on the 300 block of North Waller Avenue on June 2 at 4:48 p.m. Two more robberies followed on the 0 to 99 block of North Long Avenue, one on June 21 and another on June 23. That same day, another robbery was reported on the 5400 block of West Madison Street.
In July, the pattern continued. A robbery was reported on the 5900 block of West Washington Boulevard on July 2 at 1 p.m., followed by another return to the Long Avenue block later that afternoon. A separate incident happened on the 1400 block of South Keeler Avenue that same day. The most recent reported robbery took place on the 1500 block of South Ridgeway Avenue on July 16 at 7 p.m.
With multiple robberies happening on the same blocks, police believe the suspects may be returning to areas where they’ve had success before, making residents in those specific pockets of Austin and North Lawndale especially vulnerable.
Officers are urging anyone planning to sell a phone or other valuable item online to take precautions, such as meeting in a public, well-lit location, ideally near a police station, and bringing a friend along whenever possible.
Anyone with information about the suspects or these incidents is asked to contact Harrison Area detectives at (312) 746-8253. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through CPDTIP.com using reference number 26-4-014A.
Police have not released descriptions of the suspects but say the investigation is ongoing.