Police: Boston Residents Targeted In 'Catfish' Robbery Scheme

Boston police are warning residents of a robbery scheme targeting people through a fake dating website.

Police say the victims are lured by phony online profiles and social media and agree to meet at a specific residence. When they arrive at the designated spot, they are approached by a male suspect and robbed at gunpoint.

Police say all six incidents in the past five weeks have happened in Mattapan and Roxbury.

Creating a phony profile is often called catfishing — when a fake social media account or online profile is set up with the intent to deceive.

Police are advising anyone meeting an online connection in person to choose a public place for the encounter.