Miami woman steals $37K Rolex from Tinder date, flees in Uber

A 24‑year‑old woman from Miami met a man she found on Tinder, kissed him goodbye, grabbed his $37,000 Rolex and fled in an Uber, police said. The victim, a 32‑year‑old tech executive, discovered the theft after the woman blocked his number and vanished from his high‑rise apartment. He called 911 and officers arrived within minutes, finding the door ajar and the watch missing from the nightstand.

The incident comes as dating‑app scams surge across the United States. A 2023 FBI report warned that fraudsters and thieves increasingly use apps like Tinder to target affluent users. Miami’s luxury market, with high‑end watches and designer goods, makes it a prime hunting ground for opportunistic thieves. Experts say the anonymity of online dating makes it easy for criminals to pose as genuine dates, gain trust and then exploit that trust for theft.

Miami police released surveillance footage showing the suspect leaving the apartment, hugging the victim, and stepping into an Uber that later dropped her off in downtown Miami. Detectives recovered the watch from the Uber driver’s vehicle after a routine check. The woman was arrested on charges of grand theft, burglary and identity fraud. The victim, who asked to remain anonymous, said he had only known the woman for a few days and never expected a date to turn into a robbery. He is now working with his insurance company to recover the loss and hopes the case will deter similar crimes.

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and the suspect could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Police are urging anyone who met a new partner on a dating app to verify identities and avoid leaving valuables unattended. The case highlights the need for greater awareness of the risks that come with online dating, especially in cities where high‑value items are common.