Boston police are warning the public about a series of phone thefts ultimately resulting in financial crimes that have been reported after people leave nightclubs and bars in the city.
The incidents — which have been reported in Downtown, Back Bay, Fenway and Seaport — primarily occur between 11:30 p.m. and 2 a.m.
The suspects are utilizing a variety of tactics, Boston police said, including stealing phones during or after ride shares; offering unsolicited rides; and utilizing physical or verbal threats or violence against victims.
Suspects have pickpocketed victims, “shoulder surfed” to observe and steal passcodes, asked to borrow phones to make a call or to exchange contact or social media info, or offered to take photos or videos for victims, police said.
Once the suspects have possession of phones, they’ve accessed sensitive information and made unauthorized transactions using financial apps, according to police. Those have included Apple ID accounts, Apple Pay, Venmo, Cash App, PayPal, cryptocurrency wallets, and sports betting apps like DraftKings.
In several cases, credit and debit cards have also been used fraudulently.
Boston Police urged residents and visitors to remain vigilant, protect their devices with strong security settings and avoid handing their phones to strangers under any circumstances.
Members of the public who want to provide information anonymously about the recent reported thefts can do so through the CrimeStoppers Tip Line.
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