Spike in Robberies Linked to Dating Apps Alarms Milwaukee Community
Milwaukee residents have been alerted to a troubling increase in robberies associated with online dating platforms. The Milwaukee Police Department issued a safety warning on Tuesday, highlighting a pattern of incidents targeting individuals, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community.
Over the past two months, authorities have noted that suspects have been using the popular dating app Grindr to orchestrate bait and switch robberies. According to the alert, “The suspect would set a meet up with a victim and rob them or have other suspects there to commit the robbery.”
The Milwaukee LGBT Community Center responded with safety advice on social media. Executive Director Ritchie Martin Jr. expressed profound concern over the situation, stating, “Connecting with others, whether for friendship, dating, or relationships, should never put someone at risk.”
With millions of users engaging with dating apps each year, the risk of scams and crimes persists. Michael Zimmer, a computer science expert from Marquette University, remarked on the inherent dangers of such platforms, noting, “I think they can provide a lot of benefit for people but … you just really have to be careful.”
Zimmer explained the mechanics of a bait and switch robbery, which typically begins with an online agreement to meet. “And then suddenly they show up, and then someone else is there, or it’s three people instead of one, and it’s not at all what they’re expecting,” Zimmer said, adding that similar tactics can target Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace users.
While specific numbers were not disclosed, police confirmed a significant rise in these crimes. Despite the urgency, the department declined interview requests concerning the “recent trend.”
Following the police warning, Milwaukee’s Common Council issued its own alert, advising residents to “Swipe With Caution.” Milwaukee Alder Peter Burgelis emphasized the severity of the issue, sharing that the police had informed him of the robberies last week. Burgelis, the first openly LGBTQ person elected to the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors, warned that although the recent victims belong to the LGBTQ+ community, these crimes “target everyone.”
“Anytime people’s safety is threatened or endangered, or people get trapped into uncomfortable situations or dangerous situations, it’s a concern for the common council as a whole,” Burgelis added.
How to Stay Safe
In light of recent events, Martin Jr. urged individuals to heed their instincts when uncertain about meeting someone from a dating app. “If something feels off, it probably is,” he advised in a statement to WPR.
The Milwaukee Police Department has issued safety recommendations for online daters, which include:
- Researching the person before meeting them
- Informing someone else about your whereabouts and plans
- Choosing public places for meetings
- Remaining sober
- Protecting personal information and avoiding requests for money
The organization RAINN also offers advice for safer dating. Their guidelines stress keeping conversations within the app for added protection and caution against sharing financial details. “Never send money or financial information to someone you’ve only met online, no matter how convincing their story seems,” the RAINN website advises.
