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.
