Chicago police are warning of a scam run by a group of men asking for donations or a “follow” on social media in a popular area of River North.
A group of three to eight suspects are transferring themselves money via Zelle or Apple Pay after tricking people into giving them their phones, police said. The suspects often ask people for a donation or a “follow” on Instagram.
Force is used if victims do not cooperate, police said. In one instance, a victim was led to a group of suspects, and their property was taken by force.
The incidents occurred at the following dates and times:
- Around 3 a.m. on December 13 on the 600 block of North Dearborn
- Around 3:30 a.m. on December 20 on the 600 block of North Dearborn
- Around 5 a.m. on December 20 on the 600 block of North Dearborn
- Around 3:30 a.m. on December 21 on the 600 block of North Dearborn
The suspects are described as three to eight Black men between the ages of 20 to 30 years old wearing dark clothing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area 3 Detectives at 312-744-8263 or by submitting an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com using reference no. P25-3-055.