Renewed Alert Regarding the 'Phantom Hacker' Cyber Scam Issued by the FBI
A new and sophisticated scam, known as the "Phantom Hacker" scam, is gaining traction, preying on unsuspecting victims. This scam operates as an advanced form of tech support and financial fraud, where criminals impersonate trusted entities such as Microsoft, the FBI, or your bank.
The scam typically begins with an unexpected phone call or a pop-up on your device, claiming that your computer has been compromised by hackers. The scammers use spoofed phone numbers or out-of-area codes to add credibility to their claims.
Once the victim is lured in, they are directed to call a fake fraud or support department, often posing as their actual bank. Here, the scammers extract sensitive information or install malware on the victim's device.
Key operational steps of the scam include using the victim’s phone number (often obtained from data leaks) to find their bank details, impersonating trusted authorities to gain the victim’s trust, and claiming hackers have compromised the victim’s computer and bank accounts.
Red Flags to Identify the Phantom Hacker Scam
To avoid falling victim to this scam, it's essential to be aware of the red flags:
- Receiving unexpected calls claiming to be from Microsoft, the FBI, or your bank, especially using spoofed or out-of-area phone numbers.
- Being told hackers are actively on your device and that urgent action is needed.
- Being asked to call a specific phone number that seems official but is controlled by scammers.
- Claims to see detailed information about your bank accounts derived simply from your phone number.
- Requests to provide PINs, passwords, or remote access for "verification" or "protection."
Related Scams and Protective Measures
Related scams might involve malware like the PhantomCard banking trojan on Android, which masquerades as security apps to steal credit card NFC data and PINs.
To protect yourself, never share sensitive information or allow remote control to unsolicited callers. Always verify calls by independently contacting official customer service numbers. Be cautious of urgent threats without evidence.
If wallet or account compromise occurs, experts advise immediately stopping use, creating new secure wallets (for cryptocurrency), running malware scans, removing suspicious apps, and reporting the scam to authorities.
The FBI has warned the public to beware of Phantom Hacker scams, where cybercriminals use a 3-prong attack against victims using tech support, financial institution, and government impersonation scams simultaneously. The scammers instruct victims to transfer money via wire transfer, cash, or cryptocurrency, often directly to overseas recipients.
The scammers may also use fake pop-ups, remote access software, and fabricated threats to trick victims into transferring funds to supposed "safe" accounts via wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or cash. The "Phantom Hacker" scam involves a coordinated team of fraudsters posing as tech support, financial institutions, and U.S. government agencies.
Microsoft has stated that it does not contact consumers in the manner described by the pop-up, serving as a red flag for the scam. The scammer may instruct the victim to send multiple transactions over a span of days or months to avoid detection. The victim is also told not to tell anyone what they are doing, to prevent them from getting practical advice from a friend or family member.
Stay vigilant and protect your personal and financial information by being aware of these scams and their red flags. If you suspect you have been a victim of such a scam, report it to your local authorities immediately.
- The Phantom Hacker scam, a sophisticated form of tech support and financial fraud, often impersonates trusted entities such as Microsoft, the FBI, or banks, utilizing spoofed phone numbers or out-of-area codes.
- In related scams, malware like the PhantomCard banking trojan on Android may masquerade as security apps to steal credit card NFC data and PINs, employing tactics similar to the Phantom Hacker scam.
