Rideshare drivers are raising awareness about a string of robberies across the city.
The NYSFTD held a news conference on Monday, where a spokesperson said one cab driver alone lost $7,000 to the “Tap & Snatch Crew. ”
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The New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers [NYSFTD] said thieves struck 22 times in eight weeks. The so-called “rideshare reapers” are part of a ruthless gang called the “Tap & Snatch Crew.”
Police said the thieves are hopping into rideshare cars, taking a driver’s phone, then demanding the driver wire them money through different mobile apps.
The NYSFTD held a news conference on Monday, where a spokesperson said one cab driver alone lost $7,000 to the “Tap & Snatch Crew. ”
The NYSFTD said 80% of cab drivers are now cashless, and thieves are stealing weeks worth of money from them.
“[Thieves are] no longer putting a gun to your head and saying, ‘Give me your cash,’” said Fernando Mateo, a NYSFTD spokesperson. “Instead they’re saying, ‘Give me your phone. Give me access to your phone. ’ Then they either Zelle or Venmo or do whatever they have to do to take all of the cash that you have. ”
The NYSFTD advised drivers to carry two phones - one for rideshare apps and another with their personal information on it.
Leaders are also calling on the NYPD to notify them when thefts happen so drivers are more aware of the pattern.
The NYSFTD is offering a $2,000 reward to anyone who provides information leading to an arrest of the “Tap & Snatch Crew.”
