'Tap Snatch Crew' stealing phones and livelihoods from for-hire drivers in New York City

The New York Federation of Taxi Drivers is sounding the alarm over a series of robberies targeting rideshare drivers in the city, criticizing the NYPD for not notifying them sooner about the emerging crime trend. These robberies, committed by a group referred to as the "Tap and Snatch Crew," involve suspects posing as passengers who then steal drivers' phones and drain their bank accounts through digital transactions. With nearly two dozen incidents reported in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, the union is urging law enforcement to take immediate action and has offered a $2,000 reward for information leading to arrests. Fernando Matteo, a spokesperson for the union, emphasized that drivers must remain vigilant, as their phones have become essential for accessing rideshare services and managing their earnings. The criminals have made off with significant amounts of money, with some incidents resulting in losses of up to $10,000.

In response to the rising crime, the union recommends that drivers utilize two phones—one for rideshare apps and another for personal banking. An Uber spokesperson acknowledged the alarming nature of these reports, reaffirming the company's commitment to driver safety through various new safety features. The union is calling for better communication from the NYPD regarding crime patterns that directly affect drivers' livelihoods.