FBI Warns of 'Phantom Hacker Scam' Targeting Older Adults

The Phantom Hacker Scam Explained

• 🚨 The FBI is warning about the Phantom Hacker Scam, a sophisticated three-phased attack targeting older adults.
• 🎯 Criminals aim to build trust and urgency to trick victims into giving them access to their money, often draining their entire savings.

Phase 1: Tech Support Impostor

• 💻 Scammers contact victims via phone or online, claiming their computer is infected.
• 🖱️ They persuade victims to download software, granting the scammers remote access to their computer.

Phase 2: Financial Institution Impostor

• 🏦 A second scammer calls, posing as a representative from the victim's bank.
• 💰 This imposter urges the victim to move their money to a so-called safe account.

Phase 3: Government Impostor

• 🏛️ The final phase involves a scammer impersonating a federal authority.
• ⚠️ This imposter uses pressure tactics to prevent the victim from questioning the situation or contacting real authorities.

Financial Impact and Prevention

• 💸 The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center reported seniors lost over $4.8 billion last year, a 43% increase.
• 📈 The average loss per person was approximately $83,000, with many reporting losses over $100,000.
• 🛡️ To protect yourself, ignore unsolicited popups, texts, or emails about software issues, and never download unverified software.
• 📝 Document everything and report incidents to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center to help prevent others from becoming victims.