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Facial recognition technology is becoming increasingly prevalent in our daily lives. It’s a convenient and time-saving tool that makes it easier to unlock our smartphones, board airplanes, and use a myriad of apps. 

But with the ease and real-time convenience, comes a disturbing crime trend. In New York, this advanced technology has also enabled new types of crime.

Drug-facilitated robbery is a trend where thieves knock their victims out with date rape drugs. And then use facial recognition technology to unlock the victim's smartphone.  Incapacitating victims is nothing new, but technology makes it easier for thieves to access their victims’ bank accounts.

Investigators in New York City have linked at least 43 techno-crimes to two separate groups of suspects. Several of the drugging incidents were fatal, and victims have included a business traveler, a local social worker, and a fashion designer.

Even though some of the victims were gay these crimes are believed to be for financial gain. And authorities do not believe these are hate crimes. Both groups of suspects operated in slightly different ways. 

They all involved drugging the victim, stealing their phones, and wiping out cash from their accounts. Facial recognition gave them access to their victim’s mobile banking apps. These criminals are also accused of stealing credit cards and other valuables from some of the victims.

Facial recognition serial killers

John Kelly, a criminal profiler and psychotherapist, says that these criminals are considered a type of serial killer. 

“In serial killing, there is a subtype called the comfort serial killer. It's all about them seeking creature comforts. They don’t kill for sex. They don’t kill for power. It's all about money. The subset includes people like hit men and people who kill repeatedly in the course of robberies,” he said.

“These guys are really sophisticated and pretty ruthless," Kelly added. "They don't push it on you; they'll seduce you."

Manhattan prosecutors recently secured indictments against a group of men concerning the deaths of two victims, John Umberger and Julio Ramirez. The indictment includes charges of murder against Robert Demaio and Jacob Barroso, along with robbery, grand larceny, and conspiracy for the group as a whole.

They allegedly found victims in bars or nightclubs, where the suspects befriended vulnerable people and slipped them a dangerous drug cocktail.

Once the victims are incapacitated, the suspects steal phones, credit cards, personal information, and other property. 

The suspects then traded PIN numbers and account details over text messages, used the "tap-to-pay" features on stolen phones, and bought items with stolen credit cards.

Not every robbery netted the thieves thousands of dollars. Demaio is accused of sending another suspect a screenshot of an empty Venmo account.

Crime wave fears

The use of facial recognition technology has undoubtedly made it easier for these criminals to carry out their crimes. And over 42 victims have been identified in Manhattan. Fortunately, the same technology has also helped law enforcement authorities to identify and arrest suspects. 

The Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) is an international trade group for IT professionals. They warned in a December newsletter of serious security issues with facial recognition tech.

"It is an extremely intrusive form of surveillance and can seriously undermine individual freedoms and, ultimately, society," Hafiz Sheikh Adnan Ahmed a data security expert wrote.

"Unlike many other forms of data, faces cannot be encrypted," Ahmed explained. "Data breaches involving facial recognition data increase the potential for identity theft, stalking, and harassment because, unlike passwords and credit card information, faces cannot easily be changed."

While facial recognition technology has its benefits, it’s essential to be aware of its potential dangers. With more and more devices featuring this technology, it's crucial to protect our personal information and remain vigilant in crowded places. Criminals will always find ways to exploit new technology, and it's up to us to stay one step ahead.