Three Individuals Re-Accused in Dating App Robbery Scheme

In Guilderland, New York, three people from Troy, identified as Karina Carroll, 24, William Camino, 18, and Terry Adams, 18, have been arrested on charges related to a robbery incident, according to the Guilderland Police Department. The robbery reportedly occurred on February 18, at 1700 Western Avenue, when a man was allegedly approached by two male subjects brandishing firearms following a meeting with a woman he encountered through a dating app. The complainant asserted that his vehicle, money, and other personal belongings were taken by these men.

The subsequent investigation conducted jointly by Guilderland and Troy Police Departments divulged that Carroll had planned the robbery with Adams and Camino prior to her meeting with the victim through the dating app. Further probe resulted in the confirmation that the trio was also involved in a similar robbery in Troy earlier in February. The three were arrested and charged with multiple crimes, including first-degree robbery, second-degree robbery, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, fourth-degree grand larceny, fourth-degree conspiracy, and petit larceny.

On March 14, all three defendants were arraigned at the Town of Guilderland Court, after which they were sent back to the Rensselaer County Correctional Facility, where they were already facing other charges. In light of these incidents, Guilderland Police Officer Kris Scarano advises online daters to be investigative, advising them to verify the social media presence of potential dates, including checking if they have friends and examining their posts.

However, Becky Daniels, from Schenectady-based Micropolitan Matchmaking, points out that traditional signals on social media might not be as effective in ascertaining the authenticity of dating app users, as these platforms often limit users’ visibility to observe interactions with others, and most users avoid posting pictures with other people to signify their single status. Daniels and Scarano suggest conducting Google reverse image searches to detect counterfeit profile images and advise informing others when going out on an online date. Daniels emphasized the need to strike a balance between ensuring self-protection and allowing the magic of dating to unfold.

Despite the serious undertone, both Daniels and Scarano aim to keep the fun in dating while emphasizing the importance of safety. Notably, online dating has become increasingly popular, but incidents like these underscore the need for users to be vigilant and protective of their own safety while navigating these platforms. The case of the robbery serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with online dating, advising the public to be cautious when engaging with individuals they meet on these platforms.