Bumble dating app linked to theft scheme in Shreveport

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — The Shreveport Police are investigating a cell phone theft scheme that originated from online dating.

Police say they have launched an investigation into a series of similar cell phone thefts connected to the online dating app Bumble. The suspects reportedly targeted individuals by pretending to express romantic interest.

The first incident occurred on May 25, when a victim reported their phone stolen during a meeting at 9100 Walker Road. According to police, the victim believed they were meeting a woman named “Asia,” who was later identified as Akira Thomas. The suspect took the victim’s phone and made more than $4,300 in unauthorized transactions through the victim’s Cash App and PayPal accounts.

The second incident occurred two weeks later at the same location, when a second victim traveled from out of state to meet a woman named “Asia,” who was later identified as De’Asia Holmes. She reportedly asked to use the victim’s phone to contact her own, claiming it was with a babysitter inside a nearby apartment. Holmes eventually left with the victim’s phone and never returned, and it was discovered that more than $600 had been stolen through unauthorized banking transactions.

Police stated that Thomas and Holmes shared the same Bumble profile to attract their victims. However, they noted that the woman in the photos had no connections to Louisiana and was unaware of the events that transpired.

Thomas was arrested on Tuesday, June 24, and Holmes has been issued a warrant for theft and access device fraud. Anyone with information on her whereabouts should contact the Shreveport Police Department at 318-673-7300.