Chicago police are investigating two recent robberies on the North Side where offenders Venmoed themselves money from the victims’ phones.
Most recently, a 21-year-old man told police he was targeted in the 1900 block of West Irving Park around 7:33 p.m. Friday. A CPD spokesperson said the victim was outside when the offender confronted him with a knife and ordered him to transfer money electronically.
The victim was not injured, but $400 was reportedly taken from his Venmo account.
One night earlier, around 10:42 p.m. Thursday, a 29-year-old man had a similar experience in Wrigleyville.
According to Chicago police, he encountered “someone offering to sell items” while walking in the 1000 block of West Addison.
After the victim made an initial transfer, the offender took control of the app and transferred even more money, according to police. The offender got away with over $700 of the victim’s money.
Police did not release descriptions of the suspects.
Similar crimes have been reported in Wrigleyville since at least 2018.