LAPD investigating series of thefts targeting rideshare drivers
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - Burglary detectives with the Los Angeles Police Department’s Hollywood Division is investigating a series of thefts targeting rideshare drivers in the Hollywood area.
The department says over the past six weeks detectives have received numerous crime reports from rideshare drivers. Police say suspects are using a “new method” to steal the driver’s earnings, and in some cases, steal money from their bank accounts.
The police department says suspects request a ride through the app and once they enter the car, the suspect tricks the victims into giving them their cell phones.
“Most commonly this ruse involves switching the passenger’s destination. The suspects then access the drivers rideshare account, manipulate the driver’s settings and transfer any stored cash amount into a newly entered bank account”, LAPD said in a statement.
Suspects have also been known to accesses other bank applications and withdraw money from those accounts.
The thefts have occurred over the past six weeks across the city. Detectives are attempting to contact rideshare companies directly in order to identify the people involved.
Anyone with any information is urged to call Hollywood Burglary Detectives at (213) 972-2929. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to their website.