USA

FBI, cybersecurity experts warn of 3-phase scam that is draining bank accounts

(Nexstar)-A multi-stage deception that has been loan by evacuating the financial accounts of a large number of Americans approaching a retirement age, recently making headlines after the FBI Giving A warning.

Unlike many frauds, the “Phantom Hacker” attacks usually come in three different stages, the last building that will convince the victim to allow access to funds.

“Victims are usually subjected to the loss of all banking, savings, pension or investment accounts under the guise of ‘protecting their assets’.

Aaron Rose, Director of Cyber Security Professor Check Point Software Security Architect, told Nexstar that scammers often use the personal interests of the victims against them. Vintage cars, antique clocks or fans of other elements can broadcast publicly on social media, making them vulnerable to bad actors.

These are the best colleges in the US for 2026, finding report

“Criminals use personal interests to ensure that criminal actions look authentic that reduces the chances of getting caught, R says Rose,“ AI technology can analyze social media content to detect personal interests and personalized messages. ”

It has been reported to play scam since 2024 Over 1 billion dollars According to FBI data, the majority of the victims are at least 60 years old.

Pennsylvania Cyber Security Association President Scott Davis said, “These attacks are not only simple phone calls or identity hunt e-mails, but complex operations with multiple imitators, false phone numbers and coordinated follow-up,” he said. report. “The elderly people are deceived to believe that they protect their money, and in fact they deliver it directly to the criminals.”

‘Technical Support’ and the first stage

While acting as if he was working with technology support for a legitimate company, a telephone conversation, text, e-mail, or released window to communicate with the scammer victim.

When he calls for victim technology support, Scammer tells them to download a program that allows them to access the victim’s computer. After making the device as if you were checking for viruses, the fraud will recommend the victim to seek unauthorized fees of open financial accounts.

After selecting an account for the target, the scam the victim tells the bank to wait for a call from the Bank from the “fraud department” or the institution holding the funds.

A call from ‘Financial Institution’

The next stage begins when a fraudulent posing as an employee of a well -known financial institution begins when the victim calls to report that his accounts have been attacked by someone abroad.

Covid is rising again in these states

According to the FBI, the only way to keep the money safe, according to the FBI, says it is to move it to the third party, such as a federal reserve or the US state institution. Scammer usually helps to regulate the transfer, which is usually divided into various processes and can be made with wire, cash or crypto.

‘Government’ representative

In order to justify the previous two stages, a fraud can mimic an employee of a federal reserve or another agency.

If the victim begins to suspect, the scammer may send a follow -up letter that appears to be a letterhead of the official government to convince the victim funds that his funds continue to be “insecure” and to convince him that he should be moved.

How can you protect yourself – and others

Experts say there are a series of steps you need to take to protect yourself against Phantom Hacker deception, and that you have to share with family members and other loved ones who may be at risk.

“The simplest recommendation is the most important advice: If someone calls you unexpectedly, never give your computer remote access, R says Rose. “Do not move your money from your bank or the government that says they are from your bank or the government.

If you are not sure what to do, finish the search and talk to someone you trust before you do any action, Rose said Rose.

According to Rose, “fraudsters rely on confidentiality and pressure”. “By stepping back this model and checking with someone else – a friend, family member or authority from your bank or local law enforcement force – is usually the best defense.”

FBI, everyone who has a victim of a crime, Local field office Or prepare a report from this address Medicals.fbi.gov. If the crime is internet -based, Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

Go to the hill for the latest news, weather, sports and flow video.