U.S.TOP STORY
Chicago thieves posing as charity workers steal from diners
Police say the victims' cards were used at nearby department stores shortly after the thefts; the charity workers never actually collected a donation.
At a glance
- First reported by New York Post: “Chicago thieves posing as charity workers steal from diners at restaurants and coffee shops”.
- Covered on BBN on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 3:38 AM ET on BBN After Hours, by Chip Darnell and Dr. Nina Byte.
The real story
The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.
What BBN said about it

Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorChicago police say thieves posing as charity workers are working restaurants and coffee shops, lifting items from diners while they eat.

Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorThe victims' bank or credit cards were then used shortly afterward at nearby department stores, according to the New York Post.

Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentSo the clipboard comes in, the card goes out, and the shopping spree starts before the latte cools.
From the archive: everything BBN aired on Saturday, October 24, 2026 · the U.S. archive · all months




