The FBI is raising alarms about a new scam known as The Phantom Hacker Scam, which targets smartphone users by attempting to gain access to their financial accounts. This warning underscores the need for consumers to be vigilant about unsolicited communications claiming to be from their banks. The scam typically begins with an email or text message from someone posing as a bank, urging the victim to call a provided tech support number. Upon calling, the victim is met by an impersonator who claims their account is at risk due to a supposed hacker.
This fraudulent employee insists on helping the victim secure their account over the phone. As part of the scam, the impersonator may guide the victim to a fake tech support agent, who instructs them to download a malicious app under the guise of enhancing security. Once installed, this app allows the scammers to access the victim’s phone and view sensitive banking information. They may then ask the victim to check their accounts for unauthorized transactions, further entrenching the victim’s trust.
The scammers will then use this acquired information to convince the victim to transfer their money to a “safe” account, which is actually controlled by the perpetrators. At this stage, the victim’s funds are effectively lost. To protect yourself, the FBI advises against responding to unsolicited messages and recommends not clicking on any suspicious links, contacting numbers provided in these communications, or downloading software from unknown individuals. Additionally, recognizing that government agencies will never ask for money transfers to foreign accounts or gift cards is crucial to avoiding these traps.
It’s essential to remain cautious and trust your instincts, as these scams thrive on manipulating emotions and creating a sense of urgency.