Evanston police have charged four individuals in connection with a tap-to-pay fraud scheme that allegedly targeted residents over several weeks, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars in losses.
Authorities identified Jerome Kirk, 20, of Springfield; Amari Jackson, 23; and Nasir Johnson, 23, both of Chicago, as facing felony charges of aggravated identity theft involving victims older than 60. A fourth suspect, Quinshon Rendles, 26, also of Chicago, was charged with felony criminal damage to government property and misdemeanor resisting or obstructing a police officer.
Investigators say the suspects approached people in public areas, asking for donations for fraudulent causes such as funerals. Victims were encouraged to use tap-to-pay transactions by handing over their credit cards or cellphones. Once the suspects had control of the devices, police say they accessed financial accounts and generated fake receipts, leaving victims unaware of the fraud until receiving bank alerts.
Police documented eight such incidents across Evanston between December 1 and December 17, with total losses exceeding $35,000.
On December 19, detectives observed the group attempting to engage another potential victim in the 600 block of Chicago Avenue. When officers moved in, three suspects allegedly tried to flee on foot but were quickly taken into custody.
Police said Rendles attempted to escape in a vehicle and deliberately struck a detective’s squad car before being arrested.
Following the arrests, officers recovered more than $20,000 in cash, the suspects’ vehicle, and several cellphones. Jackson, Johnson, and Rendles are scheduled to appear in court Tuesday, while Kirk’s next court date is set for December 29. The investigation remains ongoing.
