Scammers Aren’t Just Online, They’re Stealing Phones in Boston Bars

We've all been aware of the phone scams from scammers online, but the crooks are also out in person, stealing your phones and thousands of dollars.

It’s happened several times in Boston cities, according to WCVB.

Police have been cautioning folks to keep their phones close due to a recent string of thefts. The victims are being targeted at bars, late at night in downtown Boston and beyond.

Thieves have been using rideshares or offering rides to bar goers to steal their phones. They’ve also been threatening people directly. These are sneaky methods to get your phone and your money.

As the article states, they have also been pickpocketing, shoulder surfing passcodes, and asking to borrow your cell to make a call, They are even offering to take photos and stealing your device.

According to the video below from WCVB YouTube, one victim had up to $7,000 stolen from him via Venmo.

They are accessing your financial apps or any of the apps that are connected to you banking info like, Cash App, PayPal, even sports betting apps like DraftKings.

The Boston police are asking everyone to stay vigilant when they go out and protect their phones. Make sure you have strong security settings and never give your phone to a stranger, no matter what their “story” is.

Could this happen in Maine or New Hampshire? Our towns may be smaller but the nightlife is still happening in place like Portland, Lewiston or Bangor. And in those busy areas thief's could be scanning for victims.

Especially if you’ve been drinking and your focus isn’t as sharp as it is when you’re sober.

Residents should treat their phones as they would their wallets, zipped up, tucked in, and secure! The bottom lime is that if it can happen in Boston, it can happen anywhere. Protect your phones and don’t let your guard down.