Avoid Installing This Application on Your Computers or Mobile Devices, Warns FBI
Rising Phantom Hacker Attacks: Stay Vigilant and Protect Yourself
In recent times, phantom hacker attacks have surged across the globe, targeting citizens with malicious texts, emails, phone calls, and pop-ups. These attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with scammers using AI to make their attacks more realistic and believable.
The latest wave of these attacks is the impersonation of law enforcement agencies demanding payment to avoid arrest, a lure that has been sweeping across a range of states. The FBI's Boston field office has just issued another alert as the latest lure - unspecified DMV motoring offenses - has been reported in a state.
New warnings have been issued for citizens to beware of these attacks, with scammers posing as government agencies, including the FBI. They may ask victims to cut their card in half without damaging the chip, allowing them to continue using it without the victim's knowledge.
The latest Amazon scam, which has surged 5000% in a fortnight, is the latest of these. In Europe, these banking attacks can now result in scammers visiting victims' homes.
To identify and protect yourself from these attacks, you should follow these key steps:
Identification: - Be wary of unsolicited messages or calls that create a sense of urgency, ask for personal information, request downloads of software or apps, or instruct you to transfer money or give remote access. Legitimate organizations such as banks or government agencies never initiate contact this way unexpectedly. - Recognize suspicious pop-ups or ads offering warnings or technical support, especially those urging you to call a phone number or click links. - Watch for phishing emails or texts that try to trick you into revealing credentials or clicking malicious links; these may use urgent language or impersonate trusted entities.
Protection: - Don’t interact with suspicious pop-ups; close them by exiting your browser or using Task Manager/Force Quit if needed. - Never call phone numbers provided in pop-ups, emails, or texts that seem suspicious. - Use strong, up-to-date security software to scan and protect your device from malware or adware infections that may trigger these attacks. - Enable multi-factor authentication on sensitive accounts to prevent unauthorized access. - Verify unsolicited requests by independently contacting the company or institution using verified contact details found on official websites or statements—not those given in the suspicious communication. - Regularly update your device’s operating system and applications to patch security vulnerabilities.
If You Fall Victim to Such a Scam: 1. Immediately disconnect your device from the internet (turn off Wi-Fi or enable airplane mode on mobile devices) to stop further interference or data leakage. 2. Run a full malware scan with trusted security software and remove any detected threats. 3. Change passwords for compromised accounts, using strong, unique passwords. 4. Contact your bank or relevant financial institutions to report fraudulent transactions or prevent unauthorized access. 5. Report the scam to relevant authorities such as the FBI, consumer protection agencies, or your country’s cybercrime units to help track and block these scammers. 6. Monitor your financial accounts and credit reports closely for signs of identity theft or fraud.
In the event of repeated or advanced scams, consider professional cybersecurity assistance or consultation to secure your devices and accounts comprehensively. Awareness, skepticism of unsolicited contacts, and prompt action are the best defenses against these evolving phishing and hacking threats.
It's important to note that attacks targeting citizens are increasingly likely to begin with a phone call pretending to be from a bank. Scammers can spoof the phone number to appear as the bank's genuine number, making it necessary to hang up and call back independently. If you fall victim to a Phantom Hacker or DMV scam, report it to the company or bank behind the gift card, cryptocurrency, payment app, or wire transfer service.
Major banks advise that they will never call unexpectedly to warn of fraud. Bank of America, for instance, states it will never text, email, call, or visit you at your home asking for personal or account information. If someone you don't know contacts you and asks you to download software, don't do it, warns the FBI.
Drivers in certain states have received text messages falsely claiming to be from the DMV requesting payment to resolve traffic violations or unpaid fees. In France, these tactics have evolved to steal physical banking cards, enabling attackers to withdraw cash from ATMs or make purchases.
Scammers are polished on calls and have heard every objection and question before, making it crucial to adopt a zero tolerance approach to all unsolicited calls and messages.
- In the spirit of maintaining cybersecurity and personal-finance safety, the FBI issues a smartphone warning for iPhone and Android users: avoid answering calls, texting back, or making calls when receiving communications that claim to be from the FBI, as they may be part of phantom hacker attacks.
- As phantom hacker attacks continue to evolve, it's essential to delete all texts received from unknown numbers and unspecified government agencies, especially those requesting payment or personal information, to protect your technology and financial resources.
