Cuban man poses as a Lyft driver and robs a passenger

by times news cr

A‍ Cuban in Miami, identified as Jorge Milan-Romero, was arrested after ⁤posing as​ a Lyft ⁤driver to steal an​ iPhone and access a ‍passenger’s bank accounts.

According‍ to ⁤local press reports,⁣ the incident occurred on November 2 in ⁢Wynwood, when Milan-Romero introduced himself as a driver⁢ and asked the victim to borrow his‍ phone to use the​ GPS, ‍since he claimed that his device was not ​working.

The victim, who had requested a ride through Lyft, was waiting for about ​20 minutes after her request was canceled.

Cuban man poses as a Lyft driver and robs a passenger

Seeing the Lyft sign on Milan-Romero’s vehicle, a Ford Explorer,⁤ he agreed to get in and lend his phone for navigation.

However, upon arriving at his destination and ‍getting out of the‌ vehicle, the victim noticed that⁤ his phone had been left⁢ inside the car. He tried to contact ⁢the man, ⁤but ⁣received no response.

As​ if⁢ that were ⁢not enough, the Cuban ⁣not only stole the phone, ⁤but also took the opportunity to access⁢ the victim’s ‌bank and Zelle accounts, transferring‌ $8,100.

Additionally, he opened a Cash App credit‍ card‌ in‍ his name. When police detained Milan-Romero ‍at ​his Overtown apartment, he alleged⁤ that he ‌often offered rides outside of the Lyft platform and did⁢ not remember the victim.

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Logically, his argument was⁤ dismissed and the man was⁤ arrested on ‍several charges, including grand larceny in⁣ the third ⁤degree, fraudulent use of personal identification and organized fraud.

In that sense,​ the⁣ Miami authorities set him a bail of $7,

Editorial of Cubans ⁢around the World

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How can ⁣rideshare companies improve passenger safety‍ against impersonation and⁤ fraud?

Interview ​between Time.news Editor‍ (T.N.) and⁤ Cybersecurity Expert (C.E.)

T.N.: Welcome, everyone. Today we have a compelling story about a recent‌ incident in⁣ Miami where a⁣ Cuban man, Jorge Milan-Romero, was arrested⁢ for impersonating a Lyft driver in an attempt to ⁢steal an​ iPhone and access a passenger’s bank accounts. Joining us to discuss⁣ the implications of this case is cybersecurity expert, ‍Dr.‍ Sarah Hargrove. Thank you for being here, Dr. Hargrove.

C.E.: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial‌ to delve into these kinds of incidents to understand not just the crime, but also how we can protect ⁣ourselves.

T.N.: Absolutely. Now, this incident occurred on November 2 in Wynwood, where Milan-Romero posed as a⁢ Lyft ⁤driver.​ The​ victim was waiting for a ride‌ when he approached her, claiming his‍ phone ‍was malfunctioning and asking to borrow hers to access GPS. What are your thoughts on his method of approach?

C.E.: This tactic⁢ is known as social engineering. ‍It exploits the victim’s trust. When ⁤people request a ride, they’re often in a ⁣vulnerable⁤ state, ⁣waiting⁤ and​ perhaps frustrated.‌ By presenting himself as a legitimate driver, Milan-Romero manipulated the situation to create⁢ an opportunity ‍to steal. It’s a classic‌ case⁤ of deception.

T.N.: It’s shocking how quickly trust can ⁤be exploited. The ⁤victim had waited for twenty minutes after her original ride ‍was canceled. What can passengers do in ‌moments like these to ensure⁢ their⁢ safety?

C.E.: ‌ First ⁣and foremost, it’s essential to verify the driver’s identity‌ before ​getting into‍ a‍ vehicle. Passengers⁢ should⁤ always check the vehicle⁢ details, including license plate and driver ‌name, provided by the app. Utilizing ​the app’s ⁣contact features ⁢to call or message the driver ⁤can also ⁤add an extra layer of security. ‍If something feels off or‍ a driver ‌asks to borrow​ your phone, it’s best to trust your ⁢instincts and decline.

T.N.: ‍ Interesting. In this particular⁣ case, ⁣the victim allowed her phone to be borrowed. What steps can people‍ take to protect their personal information if they must share their ‌device?

C.E.: If you must share your phone temporarily, it’s wise to ensure that⁤ sensitive apps, such as banking apps, are logged‍ out and that ⁣there are no visible passwords or personal data accessible on the home⁤ screen. Additionally, enabling features⁤ like facial ​recognition or a strong passcode can provide ‌an added layer⁢ of security ⁢while⁢ the⁣ device is in someone else’s hands.

T.N.: ‌Those are ‍practical tips.​ Given the increasing use⁢ of rideshare‍ services, how do you see such⁢ criminal tactics evolving in the⁣ future?

C.E.: Unfortunately, as technology becomes ‍more integrated‌ into ⁢our lives, criminals will‍ continue to adapt their tactics. ⁢We may see more sophisticated social engineering schemes that leverage technology​ and create a ‌false sense of ‌security‌ for the victims. Education⁢ and awareness ‍are key ⁢components in mitigating‌ these threats.

T.N.: ​It⁢ seems like continued education is vital. ‍Before we wrap up, do you have any final advice for rideshare⁤ users on staying safe?

C.E.: Yes. ​Always trust your instincts. If something doesn’t⁤ feel ​right, don’t get in the car. Report any suspicious activity to the rideshare company and​ to local authorities. Your safety is paramount, and⁤ it’s essential‍ to remain vigilant, even when using seemingly safe ⁢services like ridesharing apps.

T.N.: Thank you, Dr. ​Hargrove, for these valuable insights and ⁤tips. It’s essential for all of us​ to stay‌ informed and aware as we ⁢navigate these​ realities.

C.E.: Thank you ‍for‍ having me. Stay ​safe out there!

T.N.: That concludes our interview. Stay tuned for more updates ‌and‍ information on safety⁢ in our rapidly‌ changing world. Thank you ‌for watching!

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