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.
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!