'Billion Dollar' Hack — All Smartphone Users Warned 'Do Not Call' These Numbers
New Yorkers have just been issued a warning from State Attorney General Letitia James, urging all citizens to beware of an ongoing attack that has already stolen over $1 billion from victims across the country. The FBI has also chimed in, issuing multiple alerts about this three-phase scam known as the "Phantom Hacker" attacks.
According to AG James, these attacks have been growing rapidly over the last 12 months and are targeting people nationwide. Unfortunately, older citizens are particularly at risk due to their vulnerability to such scams.
The Attack Begins
The first phase of this attack starts with a malicious, urgent message instructing you to place a phone call to a suspicious customer support number. Your instinct should be to ignore these calls and never dial the numbers provided in pop-ups, emails, or messages.
However, once you make that call, the scammer will trick you into downloading a software program that grants them remote access to your computer. The scammer will tell you this is to check for malware on your device, claiming it's necessary to secure your bank accounts because they've gained unauthorized access.
The Second Phase: Bank Account Takeover
While you're on the line, the hacker will ask you to check your bank accounts using the software you've installed. This allows them to secretly monitor your activity and gather information about your financial transactions.
Once they have this information, the scammer will then call you, pretending to be from your bank, telling you that your most lucrative account has been compromised. They'll instruct you to move your money to a supposedly "safe" account to prevent further hacking.
The Third Phase: The Government Agency Imposter
The final phase of this attack may come in the form of an email, letter, or call from a U.S. government agency, legitimizing the actions you've been instructed to take. However, it's essential to remember that all banks and financial institutions will never ask you to perform such actions.
Protecting Yourself
AG James is urging all smartphone users in New York and beyond to exercise extreme caution when dealing with unsolicited messages or calls. The key advice is:
- Never click on unsolicited links provided via text or email.
- Never call the number provided in a pop-up, text, or email.
- Never give someone you don't know remote access to your computer.
By following these simple rules, you can protect yourself from this attack. If you see such a popup or message, log into your account the usual way and ensure everything is as it should be. Or call customer service using your app or a publicly available number. Never use an AI chat assistant to find this number; instead, search for it yourself.
A Message from AG James
As AG James so poignantly puts it, "Seniors deserve to live comfortably in their retirement years with the savings they worked hard to build over the years." If you or someone you know falls victim to this scam, please contact her office immediately.
It's also crucial to make a point of informing elderly friends and relatives about these attacks. By doing so, you can intervene and help them avoid falling prey to such scams.