'Social Media' Robbers Luring Victims With Hook-Up App: Cops

Chicago police issued a community alert warning residents of a robbery gang working the South Side that uses a social media hook-up app to lure victims.

Police say three robberies have occurred in Gresham. The victims made contact with a female over the hook up site skout.com.

After making plans to meet, the victims would arrive at the designated location, only to discover that the woman was not alone, but in the company of several other males.

The male accomplices then proceeded to beat and rob the victims of their valuables, police said.

The robberies involve a female black working in concert with five to six male blacks 18 to 30 years of age with varying physical descriptions.

The incidents took place on the following dates and locations:

• 7900 block of South Calumet Avenue, around 5 p.m. July 30;
• 7900 block of South Prairie Avenue between 4 and 7:30 p.m. August 1;
• 7900 block of South Prairie Avenue around 9 p.m. August 12.

Police warn citizens that those they meet on social media and other websites to be cognizant that individuals may be who they represent themselve to be. Also, if using social media to meet individuals, attempt to mee in public locations or have a friend accompany you.

Anyone with information about the Gresham hook-up robberies is asked to call the Area South Detective Division at 312-747-8273.