Georgia Tech police warn of new phone snatching scam around campus and Midtown Atlanta

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Chance Corley is a freshman at Kennesaw State University-Marietta. He often drives to Atlanta. One day he made it to Midtown near the Georgia Tech campus when he said he saw a group of four to six guys at an intersection. They were asking for donations via Cash App.

“They were like no, no let me type it in, let me type it in,” he said.

Corley said regretfully, he handed the phone over.

“I’ve had to raise money for sports before so I figured might as well give a dollar or two. Before I knew it, they took off with my phone, and my student ID,” said Corley.

When he finally got a look at his Cash App account, it was drained.

“It was just emptied out. I haven’t had a savings account which is a big mistake. I’m probably going to get one set up,” said Corley.

He quickly filed a police report with Atlanta police. Georgia Tech police said these phone-snatching scams are on the rise in and around their campus and the surrounding Midtown community. The department sent this statement to Atlanta News First:

“Recent phone snatching and payment app incidents have members of the Georgia Tech Police Department warning students and people in the Midtown community to be aware. Lt. Jessica Howard advises some basic reminders to keep from becoming a victim. She says:

· Make sure to use the safety features built into your phone like facial recognition and strong passcodes for both accessing your phone and digital payment platforms within your phone.

· Don’t hand your phone to anyone to enter their own payment information on cash or payment apps.

· Be aware of your surroundings when walking and using your phone.”

Through the help of his own family and his roommate, Corley was able to replace his phone and replenish the money he lost.

“At first I was mad, but it could have been a lot worse. They could have ripped me out of my car, and taken my car. They could have beaten me. I’m just happy to be alive,” said Corley.

Although the incident put him on edge, he still will always find it in his heart, to be kind, but just more vigilant.

“If they’re willing to donate $1 to the cause, that’s enough but you shouldn’t take advantage of people’s kindness,” he said about the suspects.

Atlanta police said they have opened an investigation into the incident.

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