Three scammers stole over $10,000 from Uber and Lyft drivers by taking mobile phones and transferring money

On Thursday, police said a group of cunning scammers stole more than $10,000 from Uber and Lyft drivers by taking their cell phones and then using them to transfer money from the victims’ accounts.

Three robbers carried out at least 24 strikes in the city between July 4 and January 7, according to police.

In each incident, police said they told the driver that they needed to change where they wanted to drop off. They then grabbed the driver’s phone, ostensibly to introduce a change of plans, but instead ran away and accessed the victim’s Uber or Lyft, transferring money from there to their account.

On Thursday, police released surveillance footage of the suspects and asked the public for help in identifying and tracking them down. One has a distinctive tattoo on his right arm.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be confidential.