BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Identity theft and financial crimes are on the rise, and criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated. This week, Bethlehem police announced the arrest of Francisco Rodriguez-Ayala, Melissa Ramos, and Giovanni Guridy, who are accused of stealing personal data from over 130 individuals. The trio allegedly forged checks, opened fraudulent accounts, and committed other financial crimes.
According to Eric Robuck of The Valander Group, cybercriminals are becoming more adept at accessing private information. “There’s stuff out there that can look into things that we don’t care about very easily. If you don’t keep your passwords correct, it is extremely easy for bad actors to find out exactly what you’re doing,” Robuck warned.
In 2024, the Federal Trade Commission reported over 1.5 million cases of identity theft across the United States, highlighting the growing threat of cybercrime. As scams become more difficult to spot, it’s essential for individuals to remain vigilant and protect their personal information.
