CHICAGO, IL – The next time you try to sell to a person you met online, make sure you arrange the meeting in safe space in the city. The Chicago Police Department is warning residents about a scam that involves a group of individuals targeting online sellers and robbing them.
Residents in Albany Park have been alerted to recent robberies where the offenders arranged meetings with the victims through social media. During the meetings, the offenders threatened the victims with a knife and forced them to transfer money into the offenders’ accounts.
Two incidents have been reported so far.
On April 14th at 2:15 pm, in the 3200 block of West Olive Ave. and on April 15th at 6 pm, in the 4300 block of West Addison St.
The police have identified the suspects as an African American female, aged between 20-23 years, 5’07” tall, 180-200lbs in weight, black straight hair, and black complexion; female white Hispanic, aged between 26-28 years, 5’06” tall, 120lbs in weight, with black curly hair; and a male white, aged between 47-53 years, 5’09” tall, and 220lbs in weight.
Police advise residents not to resist if threatened and to be vigilant of any suspicious behavior in the area. They also recommend ensuring that existing surveillance cameras are functional and to call 911 immediately if any suspicious activity is observed.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Bureau of Detectives – Area Five at (312) 746-7394.