Based on warnings from the FBI and other cybersecurity experts, the "Phantom Hacker" scam is a three-phase fraud that is actively draining bank accounts, particularly those of senior citizens. The scheme begins with a fake tech support contact who gains remote access to a victim's computer. The scammer then impersonates a bank or government official, convincing the victim that their funds are at risk and must be moved to a "safe" account. This process, which relies heavily on a victim's trust and sense of urgency, often results in the entire contents of their bank account being lost to the scammers.

Recommendations to Prevent the Scam

• Never trust unsolicited contact. Do not click on links in unexpected emails, answer suspicious phone calls, or respond to pop-up windows. Legitimate companies and government agencies will not contact you this way to ask for personal or financial information.

• Verify on your own. If you are concerned about your bank account or a technical issue, hang up and call the company or institution directly using a number you know to be legitimate.

• Do not grant remote access. Never download software or give anyone remote access to your computer unless you have initiated the contact with a trusted company.

• Be wary of requests for unusual payments. The U.S. government will never ask you to send money via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards to protect your funds.

• Use strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA). This adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts, making it harder for scammers to gain access even if they have some of your information.

Advice for Caregivers

It is essential for caregivers to be proactive in helping their parents or elderly relatives understand and avoid these scams.

• Have an open conversation. Discuss these types of scams with your loved ones in a calm, non-judgmental way. You can share stories of how the scam works without making them feel vulnerable or naive.

• Establish a verification system. Create a "code word" or a specific phrase to use if you ever need to contact them in an emergency, ensuring it is a legitimate call from a trusted family member.

• Encourage them to talk to you. Let them know that they can always talk to you or another trusted family member if they receive a suspicious request or feel pressured to make a decision.

• Offer to help. You can offer to help them verify a request by calling the institution directly on their behalf, or by helping them set up security features like multi-factor authentication.

Online Resources

• Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): File a complaint at ic3.gov, the FBI's central intake for cybercrime.

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Report the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

• National Elder Fraud Hotline: If you or a loved one are a victim of elder financial fraud, you can call the hotline at 1-833-372-8311 for help.

• IdentityTheft.gov: This is a comprehensive resource that provides a personalized recovery plan if your identity has been compromised.