Queens Man Robbed Women During First Dates
Authorities are searching for a man accused of stealing phones from two women he met on social media in August.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Romance
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A Queens man allegedly robbed two women of their mobile phones while on first dates in August 2026. The suspect initiated contact via Instagram and targeted victims in Elmhurst and Corona.
Why it matters
The incidents highlight emerging safety risks associated with meeting strangers from social media platforms for in-person dates. The suspect used the guise of adding payment information to swipe the devices before fleeing on foot.
The suspect stole a phone worth nearly $1,200 on August 18 and two additional phones valued at approximately $2,200 on August 22. The perpetrator remains at large as the NYPD continues to analyze surveillance footage from the area.
The players
NYPD
The New York City Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for investigating these crimes and seeking the suspect.
The details
The suspect met both victims through Instagram and convinced them to hand over their phones under the pretense of adding his credit card information. He then fled on foot with the devices during the meetings at Junction Blvd. and the corner of 103rd St. and 41st Ave.
Timeline
The first robbery occurred at the Junction Blvd. subway station on August 18, 2026.
The second robbery took place in Corona on August 22, 2026.
The NYPD released surveillance footage of the suspect on October 6, 2026.
Culture Shift
These crimes mirror a documented trend of social media platforms being utilized to facilitate offline exploitation. This behavior represents a departure from traditional dating safety norms, placing new emphasis on the risks of meeting digital acquaintances in person.
Residents in Elmhurst and Corona should exercise caution when meeting individuals from Instagram, as the suspect remains unidentified. Avoid handing over electronic devices to strangers during meetings, regardless of the stated intent.
The takeaway
Always verify the identity of individuals met through social media and conduct first meetings in public, highly trafficked areas. Maintaining control of your personal property during a first date is a vital safety precaution.
Further reading
For more information on staying safe while dating, visit the Romance section.
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Do you feel meeting new people through online platforms is currently safe?
