Armed robbers luring victims by using social media to set up fake sales
(Eduardo Woo/Flickr)
CHICAGO (SUN TIMES MEDIA WIRE) - Police are warning residents of a series of fake online sales leading to armed robberies this month in the Gresham neighborhood on the on the South Side.
In five robberies, victims have been lured to a meet-up location to purchase items like cell phones and laptops through sale offers posted on social media. When they arrive, they are met by a group of three men who show a gun and take their property, Chicago Police said.
Items stolen include cell phones, purses, wallets and a car, police said.
The incidents occurred:
- About 6:20 p.m. on May 2 in the 7700 block of South Union;
- About 6:15 p.m. on May 2 in the 600 block of West 77th Street;
- At 5:41 p.m. on May 8 in the 7700 block of South Union;
- About 6:30 p.m. on May 14 in the 7700 block of South Union;
- About 4 p.m. on May 17 in the 7600 block of South Emerald.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area South detectives (312) 747-8273.