Public Urged to Assist NYPD in Unveiling Elaborate NYU Scam Operation

Scam alert text revealed through torn red paper

A group of scammers have pulled off a series of brazen robberies near New York University, stealing $3,500, prompting the NYPD to seek public assistance in identifying these individuals.

Key Insights

  • A group of scammers stole $3,500 in a series of robberies near New York University.
  • The first incident involved a 14-year-old boy pressured into a $350 app donation.
  • A 19-year-old was coerced into withdrawing $1,400 at an ATM in a second robbery.
  • The criminals also targeted a 23-year-old, extracting $1,800 in cash and transfers.
  • The NYPD has released suspect photos and is soliciting public assistance.

Details of the Crime Spree

Three scammers managed to orchestrate crimes near New York University, targeting young men and convincing them to hand over cash and initiate app-based transfers. The spree included a 14-year-old pressured on Christmas Eve into a $350 transaction on Broadway near East 8th Street, under the guise of a donation for a sports team, according to authorities.

Subsequent incidents included a 19-year-old man who was forced to withdraw $1,400 from an ATM on January 8 and a 23-year-old who handed over $800 and transferred $1,000 using his phone. Each incident left the victims unharmed but financially impacted.

NYPD’s Actions and Appeal

The NYPD is actively pursuing the perpetrators, who donned hoodies and winter coats during their crimes. Photos of the suspects have been circulated, and the authorities are urging the public to use the Crime Stoppers Hotline for any tips that might lead to their capture. “The NYPD released photos of the still-at-large suspects, seen bundled up in hoodies or winter coats, on Wednesday.” – The NYPD

Surveillance efforts are concentrated around known areas where incidents occurred, with the NYPD increasing patrols to ensure public safety. The release of suspect photos is pivotal in rallying community cooperation.

Public Assistance and Safety Concerns

The NYPD emphasizes the importance of public vigilance and prompt reporting of suspicious activities. Engaging the public is crucial to prevent further victimization and bring those responsible to justice. The police department’s concerted efforts aim to bolster New York’s safety network.

“A trio of scammers made off with $3,500 in a recent string of robberies near New York University“ in one case pleading with a 14-year-old boy for donations to a sports team before ripping him off, cops and sources said.” – cops and sources

The series of brazen crimes serves as a sobering reminder to remain wary of scams and to protect personal information. NYC’s history of scams calls for constant citizen awareness.

Sources

1. Seeking Justice, NYPD Offers $3,500 Reward for Information on East 149th Street Robbery in the Bronx

2. Scammers pleading for donations target victims near NYU, stealing $3.5K in string of robberies: cops