4 Arrested In Connection To Organized Tap-To-Pay Scams In Evanston

EVANSTON, IL — Four people suspected of participating in organized tap-to-pay scams that targeted Evanstonians were arrested on Friday, police announced Monday.

For several weeks, the Evanston Police Department received reports of individuals soliciting donations in public spaces for fake causes, including funerals. The individuals would ask victims to provide a credit card or cellphone to complete a tap-to-pay transaction.

When the group got access to the card or phone, they were able to access financial accounts and issue fraudulent receipts, police said.

After moving on from the interaction, victims received fraud alerts because significant losses had already occurred.

Between Dec. and 17, Evanston police documented eight of these incidents across the city, with reported losses exceeding $35,000.

Further investigation into these incidents led officers to the 600 block of Chicago Avenue on Friday, where they observed the suspects in the process of another scam. Detectives approached the group, but three of them fled on foot.

A fourth suspect attempted to flee in a vehicle, intentionally striking a detective squad car, according to EPD. All four suspects were taken into custody and no serious injuries were reported.

“These arrests highlight the importance of proactive policing and robust investigations,” said Chief of Police Schenita Stewart. “It also serves as a reminder to residents to remain vigilant and to never hand over their credit cards or phones to unknown individuals, regardless of how compelling their story is.”

The investigation and arrests led to the recovery of more than $20,000 and numerous cell phones, police said. The Cook County State's Attorney's Office reviewed the investigation and approved felony charges against the suspects.

Jerome Kirk, 20 of Springfield, Amari Jackson, 23 of Chicago, and Nasir Jackson, 23 of Chicago, were all charged with aggravated identity theft of a person over 60. Quinshon Rendles, 26 of Chicago, was charged with felony criminal damage to government property and misdemeanor resisting or obstructing a police officer.