A Yonkers man is facing felony charges related to identity theft in Rockland County. 27-year-old Gabriel Frias Gil was arrested Tuesday, August 1st, after allegedly stealing credit cards from a handbag. Then, using them to buy more than $2,600 worth of electronic goods at the Best Buy in West Nyack’s Palisades Mall.
Yorktown Police were notified of the alleged crime on June 10th, following a report from the victim stating that their vehicle had been targeted and a handbag containing several credit cards had been stolen. Following an investigation, Gil was identified as the alleged perpetrator.
Nearly two months later, Gil was taken into custody by Westchester County Police on an unrelated charge. On August 1st, he was transferred to the Yorktown Police headquarters and formally charged with first-degree identity theft—a felony offense.
Gil was released on his own recognizance after his arraignment. His next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, August 3.
Identity Theft a Growing Concern
The risks of identity theft from a lost or stolen credit card can be significant. According to a report from Forbes, New York is the 8th most-scammed state in the U.S. for financial crimes. Beyond the financial implications, the emotional distress of having personal information in the hands of criminals can be overwhelming for victims. Rapid reporting of theft, vigilant credit card statement monitoring, and strong password protection can help reduce your risk while limiting potential loss and distress.
