A recent string of robberies near New York University has left authorities on high alert as a trio of scammers managed to make off with a total of $3,500 from unsuspecting victims. The brazen criminals targeted individuals in broad daylight, using deceitful tactics to swindle their victims out of their hard-earned money.

The first incident occurred on Christmas Eve, when the scammers approached a 14-year-old boy on Broadway near East 8th Street. Claiming to be in need of donations for their sports team, the perpetrators coerced the teen into transferring $350 to them using an app on his phone. The boy was left shaken as the thieves fled the scene.

Just a few weeks later, on January 8, the scammers struck again, this time targeting a 19-year-old man at East 4th Street and Broadway. In a similar fashion, they convinced the victim to withdraw $1,400 from an ATM after requesting an exchange of cash. Once the money was in hand, the criminals made a swift getaway, escaping down Broadway.

The final robbery took place on January 11, when the scammers accosted a 23-year-old man on Astor Place near Lafayette Street. Threatening the victim, they demanded $800 be withdrawn from an ATM and also used his phone to transfer $1,000 to themselves. With the cash in hand, the thieves fled west on Waverly Place, leaving the victim stunned and helpless.

Despite the audacity of their crimes, no injuries were reported in any of the incidents. The NYPD has released photos of the suspects in the hopes of identifying and apprehending them before they strike again. Anyone with information is urged to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or visit the Crime Stoppers website to submit a tip.

As the investigation into these robberies continues, residents in the area are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local authorities. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of staying alert and cautious, even in seemingly safe neighborhoods.