Tech support scammers trick victims into old-school offline money transfer

Tech support scams involve fraudsters tricking unsuspecting individuals into granting remote access to their computers under false pretenses. They may claim to fix non-existent problems or refund money due to fraudulent activity.

Scammers often employ social engineering tactics to make their victims believe they have transferred too much money into their bank accounts. They then ask the victim to return the excess cash or face consequences.

In the past, scammers would ask victims to wire money, use gift cards, or transfer funds through cryptocurrency or money transfer apps. However, a recent FBI bulletin reveals that scammers are now instructing victims to send actual cash concealed in newspapers or magazines via shipping companies.

The reason behind scammers using this offline method is unclear, but it may be related to recent actions taken against payment firms that process fraudulent credit card payments for tech support scammers.

The FBI advises anyone who has fallen victim to these scams to report the incident to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and provide details such as the scammer’s name, communication methods used, and the shipping address and recipient’s name.

While readers of State of Security may be unlikely to fall for such scams, it is crucial to educate and protect friends and relatives who may be more vulnerable. Scammers often manipulate browser windows to make it seem like an accidental deposit, making it harder for victims to disbelieve.

Tech support scams are not limited to the elderly; younger generations are also susceptible. It is essential for those interested in cybersecurity to share advice and stay vigilant to protect themselves and others from online fraudsters.

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