(Nexstar)-A multi-step scam was credited with vacating the financial accounts of many Americans-many of which were close to retirement age-from the time they are making headlines again after FBI. Released a warning.
Unlike many scams, the “Phantom Hacker” attacks often come in three different stages, each building to perfectly explain the victim to allow the victim to access their money.
The FBI said in a news release, “The victims often suffer a lot of complete banking, savings, retirement or loss of investment accounts under the guise of protecting their property.”
Aaron Rose, a security architect manager of cybercity firm check point software, told Nexstar in an email that the crooks often use the personal interests of the victims against them. Fans of vintage cars, antique watches or other items can publicly post on social media, making them sensitive to bad actors.
“Criminals used personal interests to authentically manifest their criminal tasks, which reduces the possibility of being caught,” Rose said, “AI technology can analyze social media content to detect personal interests and life milestones that allow it to generate it individually to generate messages that seem individual.”
Since 2024, the scam has been allegedly used to steal More than $ 1 billion According to FBI data, the majority of the victims are at least 60 years old.
Scott Davis, president of the Cybecity Association of Pennsylvania, recently said, “These attacks are not only simple phone calls or fishing emails-they are complex operations including many Epocenoraters, Sprowed phone numbers and coordinated follow-ups.” Interview“Seniors are being cheated in believing that they are protecting their money, when they are really handing it directly to criminals.”
‘Tech support’ and first phase
A phone call, text, email or pop-up window will be used to contact the scammer victim, pretending to work in tech support for a legitimate company.
Once the aggrieved take support for help, the scammer instructs them to download the program that gives access to the victim’s computer. After pretending to check the device for the virus, the scammer would then suggest the victim to open open financial accounts to search for unauthorized allegations.
After choosing an account to target, the scammer asks the victim to wait for a call from the bank or institution’s “fraud department”.
A call from ‘Financial Institute’
The next phase begins when a scammer, presenting as an employee of a famous financial institution, calls the victim to inform them that their account has been hacked abroad.
Scammer says that the only way to secure money is, according to the FBI, it is to transfer it to third party such as the Federal Reserve or American Government Agency. The scammer helps to organize transfer, which often breaks into several transactions and can occur by wire, cash or crypto.
‘Government’ representative
In an attempt to legalize the previous two phases, a scam can implement an employee of the Federal Reserve or another agency.
If the victim begins to be suspicious, the scammer may send a follow -up letter, which appears as an official government letterhead, with the goal of convincing the victim that their funds continue to be “unsafe” and should be moved.
How to save yourself – and others
Experts say that the Phantom hacker has several steps to protect itself against the scam, tips that you should also share with family members and other loved ones who can be at risk.
“The simplest advice is the most important: Never give remote access to your computer if someone calls you unexpectedly,” Rose said. “Don’t move your money just because a collar says they are from your bank or government. Hang, call the printed number on your bank statement, and verify the situation for yourself.”
If you find yourself uncertain what to do, then eliminate the call and talk to someone you trust before taking any action, said Rose.
According to Rose, “Scammers rely on privacy and pressure.” “By taking the pattern one step back and with someone else – a friend, family member, or officer from your bank or local law enforcement agency – is often the best rescue.”
The FBI encourages anyone who is a victim of a crime, to contact Local area office Or file a report on tips.fbi.govIf the crime is internet-based, file a report with Internet Crime Grievance Center (IC3),
