FBI reiterates caution against the deceptive 'Phantom Hacker' scheme
In the digital age, scammers are constantly evolving their tactics to trick unsuspecting victims. One such scam, known as the Phantom Hacker scam, is on the rise, preying on individuals by impersonating trusted entities like Microsoft and financial institutions.
The Phantom Hacker scam operates by tricking victims into believing their computers are compromised and their bank accounts are at risk. The scammers typically initiate contact via a phone call or spoofed message, convincing the victim there are hackers currently on their computer, and then connecting them to a fake "fraud department" of their bank to extract sensitive information or money.
Key red flags to identify the Phantom Hacker scam include:
- Receiving unsolicited warnings or calls claiming your computer is hacked and urgent action is needed.
- Being pushed to call a provided toll-free number that appears legitimate (e.g., spoofed as Microsoft or a bank location).
- Scammers claiming to see multiple hackers on your computer and linking to your actual bank accounts without asking for your personal details first.
- Being transferred to a fake fraud department to convince you to provide sensitive data or transfer money.
- Unexpected contact from anyone claiming to be tech support or a bank fraud team without prior interaction.
- Any pressure to act immediately or share your secret recovery phrase or private keys if you use cryptocurrency wallets such as Phantom.
For Phantom wallet users, additional warnings include:
- Beware of unsolicited NFT airdrops or fake NFT giveaways, which are common entry points to phishing scams, often directing users to malicious URLs disguised as legitimate sites.
- Sweeper bots can hijack wallets instantly once scammers have access to your secret recovery phrase or private keys, draining any new funds you deposit.
- Never share your secret recovery phrase, and always verify URLs and sources carefully before interacting with transactions or wallet connections.
The scammer may instruct the victim to send multiple transactions over a span of days or months, or direct them to transfer money via wire transfer, cash, or cryptocurrency, often directly to overseas recipients. Scammers may also direct victims to download an app, allowing remote access to the victim's computer.
To legitimize the scam, the scammer may pose as an employee at the Federal Reserve or another U.S. Government agency, or send an email or a letter on what appears to be official U.S. Government letterhead. The FBI warns the public to beware of Phantom Hacker scams, where cyber criminals use a 3-prong attack against victims using tech support, financial institution, and government impersonation scams simultaneously.
To protect yourself, remain skeptical and verify independently before taking any action. If you suspect a scam, hang up the phone, do not click on any links, and contact your financial institution directly using the phone number on the back of your bank card or the official website. By staying vigilant, you can help protect yourself from becoming a victim of the Phantom Hacker scam.
In the digital age, it's crucial to be aware of the Phantom Hacker scam, a form of cybercrime that masquerades as tech support, financial institutions, or even government agencies. This scam often starts with unsolicited warnings claiming your computer is hacked, pushing you to provide sensitive information or transfer money.
In the realm of general-news, crime-and-justice, it's essential to remember that such scams can operate through technology, like phone calls, spoofed messages, or even email. To mitigate this risk, stay vigilant, verify independently, and directly contact your financial institution if you suspect a scam.
