Boston police are investigating a string of recent late-night cell phone thefts in which suspects have made fraudulent financial transactions after gaining access to victims’ phones.
The thefts often occur “after individuals leave nightclubs and bars in the city,” police said. Incidents have been reported in the Back Bay, Fenway, Seaport, and Downtown Boston, primarily between 11:30 p.m. and 2 a.m.
“Current tactics utilized by suspects have included – stealing phones during or after ride shares, offering unsolicited rides, and utilizing physical or verbal threats or violence against victims,” police said in a statement Tuesday.
Suspects have targeted financial apps, police said, gaining access to Venmo accounts, cryptocurrency wallets, and sports betting apps like DraftKings before making fraudulent transactions on those apps.
The statement didn’t indicate the total number of stolen cell phones, nor did it say how much money had been lost through recent incidents of fraud.
Police urged residents to avoid handing their cell phones to strangers and to protect their devices with strong security settings.
They also urged vigilance against pickpocketing and “shoulder surfing,” where thieves watch while you enter passcodes.
“The Boston Police urge all residents and visitors to remain vigilant,” the statement reads.
Truman Dickerson can be reached at truman.dickerson@globe.com.
