(WTTW News)
Chicago police are warning residents about an online marketplace scam where buyers looking to purchase a motor bike or ATV are lured to Englewood where they’re then robbed at gunpoint.
According to a community alert issued by police, there have been 19 such robberies reported — many of which have occurred in the 6700 block of South Elizabeth Street — between July and October.
In each incident, potential buyers looking to buy a vehicle over Facebook Marketplace or the Offer Up marketplace website would be told to meet with the seller in Englewood. Upon arrival, multiple offenders armed with a handgun would approach the potential buyer and rob them before fleeing the area on foot.
Seventeen of these incidents occurred on the same South Elizabeth block, while two other robberies occurred in the 6700 block of South Throop Street and the 6800 block of South Ada Street. All three of those locations are within the immediate vicinity of each other.
The most recent robbery occurred Sunday at around 5:30 p.m., while another occurred Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The first reported robbery in this string occurred July 17.
Police said they’re seeking four Black men between the ages of 18 and 30 who’ve been seen wearing black clothing and ski masks and carrying a black handgun with an extended magazine.
Any one with information is asked to contact Area One detectives at 312-747-8380.
Contact Matt Masterson: @ByMattMasterson | [email protected] | (773) 509-5431
