
In the heart of New York near NYU, a series of scams has left victims out $3,500 as the culprits remain elusive.
Key Takeaways
- A group of scammers stole $3,500 in a series of robberies near New York University.
- Initial victim, a 14-year-old, was deceived into a $350 donation via a phone app.
- A 19-year-old man was coerced into withdrawing $1,400 from an ATM.
- The crooks forced a 23-year-old to hand over $800 cash and execute a $1,000 transfer.
- The NYPD seeks public help to identify the hoodie-clad suspects.
Scams Target the NYU Community
Scammers have been successfully executing a series of thefts in the NYU area. Three victims have been targeted, starting with a 14-year-old on Broadway near East 8th Street. He was approached on Christmas Eve and tricked into handing over $350 via a cash app under the guise of donating to a sports team. The incident marks the beginning of a troubling series of fraudulent activities orchestrated by a trio of scammers.
The second incident targets a 19-year-old male on January 8 at East 4th Street and Broadway. The victim was coerced into withdrawing $1,400 from an ATM by the scammers. These criminals managed to disappear without drawing physical altercations, but they left a trail of financial damage worsened by yet another similar incident.
Scammers pleading for donations target victims near NYU, stealing $3.5K in string of robberies: cops https://t.co/lYWN1zJYo2 pic.twitter.com/2foLgxSyiz
— New York Post (@nypost) January 23, 2025
Escalation of Scams
On January 11, the scammers set their sights on a 23-year-old man at Astor Place near Lafayette Street. Using pressure tactics, they forced him to withdraw $800 in cash and make a $1,000 application transfer. This incident, along with the earlier two, brings the total theft amount to $3,500. The victims did not suffer physical harm, but their financial losses are significant.
“The crooked crew came up to the teen on Broadway near East 8th Street around 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and said their team was in need of donations, according to authorities and law-enforcement sources.” – authorities and law-enforcement
Scammers employ tactics that invoke a genuine sense of urgency, coupled with a compelling back story, which makes victims more susceptible to their ploys. These recent NYU-area robberies exemplify the adaptive methods criminals use, preying on the unsuspecting and the vulnerable. The criminals remain at large, yet the NYPD’s efforts intensify.
Scammers pleading for donations target victims near NYU, stealing $3.5K in string of robberies: cops https://t.co/a3FA7XYvuN pic.twitter.com/0iPRyvRvcI
— New York Post Metro (@nypmetro) January 23, 2025
Public Assistance Required
The NYPD has publicized photos of the perpetrators to elicit public cooperation. The suspects, cloaked in hoodies or heavy winter coats, are shown in these images released by law enforcement. Officials urge anyone with information to come forward via the Crime Stoppers Hotline. Identifying and apprehending these individuals is critical to preventing further criminal activities.
“The NYPD released photos of the still-at-large suspects, seen bundled up in hoodies or winter coats, on Wednesday.” – The NYPD
The NYU community, along with its surrounding neighborhoods, remains on alert. Awareness and cooperation are crucial to combating these deceptions. With vigilance and information sharing, the likelihood of catching these perpetrators increases, bringing justice and restoring public trust in the safety of this vibrant New York City area.