Annie Rose’s Post

A modified #sextortion #scam has emerged, leveraging photos of #victims’ homes to make threats more convincing and alarming. I have seen these cases involve pictures of children and other family members as well. In one case I was called in on a grandmother wiped out her entire life savings. The implication is that you are not just at risk of whatever #cyber scam but if they decide to, they can get physical. The reality is they are just using public data and social network photos to jar one into action. In today's world, they may even use AI generated materials. They do not have what they claim or follow through so PLEASE ignore them and do not pay them. While the scam represents a disturbing evolution in cybercrime, where criminal scum uses personal information to create a sense of urgency and fear, it shows their desperation because people are getting better at simply saying no. I have also seen cases where individuals voluntarily sent pictures to a criminal thinking they were a real social profile.  This caused them to be extorted for more explicit material, and cash. In some public cases, it resulted in suicide. Cybercriminals initiate contact by sending emails or messages that include photos of the victim’s home. These images are from sites like Google Maps (which if you look at my house is blurred) or social media profiles. The scammers claim to have hacked into the victim’s devices and obtained explicit content, which they threaten to release unless a ransom is paid. The unfortunate part of this is that some people have recorded such video or taken pictures and may even have shared them with others.  So, they are unsure. The threat actors (unless you have shared them with them) do NOT have them. I will often jokingly mess with criminals (this not recommended) by saying, "That is awesome. I lost my copies it will be nice to have them back." The inclusion of personalized publicly available photos, is intended to make the threat more credible and personal, increasing the likelihood of compliance. The scam relies heavily on psychological manipulation. This is designed to induce panic, making victims more likely to comply. Typically, a ransom is demanded in cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, which provides anonymity and makes it difficult to trace the transactions. The amount can vary. Do NOT EVER store intimate photos or videos in online accounts such as #iCloud. Do not ever share them with others (no matter how much you “love” them) as revenge porn is a real thing. If you think they do have pictures because you shared them or they are in a cloud account that was hacked, please do not pay them. Once you start, they will never quit, and their threats can get over the top. Own the possibility that #photos may be out there. Sextortion a serious crime, do not engage with the scammers or pay the ransom. Instead, report the incident to local authorities or the FBI at IC3.gov

03/05/2024 Popularly known as the "Yahoo Boys," a new style of scamming has been investigated by Wired.com, primarily conducted within Nigeria. These fraudsters utilize social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Telegram, TikTok, and YouTube to execute meticulously crafted scams aimed at unsuspecting individuals across the globe. The scammers often pose as engaging personalities with tragic stories, backed by stolen photos to gain the trust of their victims. Once a bond has been formed, the fraudsters then manipulate their victims into sending them money often under the guise of an urgent situation. To avoid detection, these predominantly teenage scammers use local dialects and a unique '"Yahoo language," and even provide scamming tutorials via platforms like YouTube and TikTok. They also peddle hacking tools and stolen credit card data on Telegram, proving that attempts to control their activities have been largely futile. Many social media platforms have attempted to restrict these operations, with limited effect. As per some estimates, these fraudsters known as the "Yahoo Boys" manage to con people out of millions of dollars each year. It prompted cybersecurity organizations such as CrowdStrike and Palo Alto Networks to develop specific security measures against various scamming techniques, emphasizing the need for collective steps in improved security. As digital users, maintaining alertness and skepticism towards unconfirmed online connections can limit the opportunities available to these scammers. Understanding how these "Yahoo Boys" operate can bolster the fight against cybercrime, paving the way for a safer digital environment. Relevant Trending Hashtags: #CyberCrime #OnlineScams #CyberSecurity Follow for more 📈🫡 & Lets connect: https://lnkd.in/gxJ2cEAD Join MarTech community here: https://tally.so/r/3NWD6B for Exclusive updates. Source: WIRED

🔒✨ Stay Safe: Learn about the ATO TikTok Scam✨🔒 This article sheds light on the alarming rise of scams on TikTok, particularly the recent ATO GST scam. Join us as we delve into the complexities of this issue and provide essential tips on protecting yourself and your loved ones from falling victim. Operation Protego, initiated by the Australian Tax Office (ATO), uncovered a sophisticated scheme exploiting TikTok's popularity to deceive users into disclosing personal information. With losses totalling $2 billion and even ATO staff members impacted, the urgency to raise awareness and vigilance has never been more apparent. We dissect the scam's methodology and explore the challenges of staying safe on TikTok. We also examine TikTok's role in tackling fraudulent activities and provide actionable advice on spotting and avoiding scams. Click the link below to read the full article and empower yourself with the knowledge to navigate the digital landscape securely. Let's take a stand against cybercrime and foster a safer online community. #Cybersecurity #TikTokScams #StaySafe #CombatFraud 💼🔐 https://lnkd.in/edj327i4

The Rising Tide of Consumer Scams In today's digital age, technology plays an integral role in our daily lives. Over 60% of the global population, more than 5 billion people, rely on digital platforms for communication, shopping, and information. However, this widespread dependence on technology has also made it a fertile ground for scammers. The Growing Threat of Digital Scams Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, employing a variety of channels to deceive individuals into revealing personal and financial information. These scams manifest in numerous forms, from phishing emails and spoofed phone calls to fake websites and social media offers. A recent survey painted a concerning picture: a significant majority of respondents reported frequent encounters with scams across multiple digital platforms, with social media emerging as a particularly hazardous zone. Email and Text Scams The survey revealed that nearly 90% of participants received scam emails monthly and 80% encountered scam text messages. More alarmingly, 46% of these individuals reported receiving scam emails daily. This highlights the persistent nature of these threats. Social Media: A Hotbed for Scammers Social media platforms, with their vast user bases, have become prime targets for scammers. In 2022, social media users numbered over 4.26 billion globally. Unfortunately, this popularity has attracted malicious actors looking to exploit unsuspecting users. Over 80% of social media users encounter scams monthly, with 34% experiencing them daily. Specific platforms like Facebook and TikTok reported higher incidences of scams, with users frequently encountering fraudulent advertisements, posts, and messages. The nature of social media scams varies by platform. On Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, common scams involve "Winning A Prize" or "A Free Gift Offer". LinkedIn, meanwhile, sees a higher occurrence of "Job Related" and "Cryptocurrency" scams. The Impact of Falling Victim The consequences of falling victim to these scams can be severe. Platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook saw the highest victim rates. The fallout from these scams often includes financial losses, identity theft, and time spent dealing with the aftermath. Protecting Yourself from Scams ▫ Stay Skeptical: Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true. ▫ Verify Messages: If you receive a suspicious message from a friend or company, verify its authenticity through a different communication channel. ▫ Guard Personal Information: Never share personal or financial information in response to unsolicited messages or emails. ▫ Use Security Tools: Employ advanced security measures that can scan and block potential threats. At Cyberman365, we understand that even the most vigilant users can fall victim to sophisticated scams. That’s why we offer personal cyber insurance to ensure your clients are fully protected. #cyberinsurance #cybersecurity #consumers #scams

“Last year, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received 800,944 complaints about suspected internet crimes. That’s more than 2,000 complaints every single day,” said David Bodily, Supervisory Special Agent of the Salt Lake City FBI’s Boise Resident Agency. Just three schemes cause billions of dollars of losses each year, a joint advisory warns and consumers will receive updates and advice during the Don’t Click December campaign: ➡ “Package can’t be delivered” scam: Fraudsters target individuals through text messages or emails, claiming that a package cannot be delivered unless they click the provided link and enter their personal information or pay a redelivery fee. ➡ “Account subscription” scam: Scammers send emails or text messages indicating that a subscription has been renewed for another year. The message encourages clicking a link to verify, unsubscribe, or receive a receipt for the subscription. ➡ “Phantom hacker” scam: Criminals send unsolicited messages by phone, email, text, or pop-up pretending to be “tech support” and asking you to provide access to your computer so the software can be updated to “thwart hackers.” #cybercrime #scams #scamalert #fbi #cyberawareness

Online fraud is one of the most common crimes around the world. Why do people continue to fall victim? Because bad actors employ crafty psychological techniques that can work on even the most intelligent people. In other words, scammers leverage methods that insidiously take advantage of people’s cognitive biases and psychological blind spots. #fraud #onlinefraud #fraudprevention #fraudawareness #badactors #data #identityfraud #identitytheft #digitalfraud #fraudtrends #fraudrisk #cyber #cybercrime

📣 Americans lost $1.1 billion to impersonation scams 📣 The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported over $1.1 billion in losses due to impersonation scams in the U.S. last year, a significant increase from 2020. ℹ️ Scammers often use phone calls, emails, and text messages, with a growing trend in email and text message scams. The scams range from fake account security alerts and subscription renewals to bogus legal issues and package delivery problems. 👉 The FTC advises avoiding unsolicited URLs, being wary of money transfer requests, and verifying suspicious communications. It is also important to protect vulnerable groups from these scams, such as the elderly. #cybersecurity #news #scam #impersonation

"Swindled Savings How to Avoid Online Scams and What to Do if You Become a Victim Here are tips on how to dodge some of the most devastating schemes and what to do if you or someone you care about becomes ensnared." https://lnkd.in/eYjDa9Ma "Cybercrime is on the rise, but even the best antivirus software can’t thwart scammers who target the human psyche. Some of the most damaging and costly scams involve what’s known as “social engineering.” That’s when fraudsters use time-tested techniques of deception and emotional manipulation, tricking people into divulging personal or financial information, or even granting remote access to their computers. This is what happened to Barry Heitin, a 76-year-old retired lawyer who lost roughly $740,000 to sophisticated swindlers impersonating bank and government officials. People of all ages and socioeconomic levels are potential targets, but older Americans are particularly vulnerable. They’re more likely to have amassed savings, and they’re perceived to be more isolated or perhaps less computer savvy. There are also more entry points for scammers now — in our text messages, social media, dating sites or online groups. That silly personality quiz you just whizzed through on Facebook? It might have been created by fraudsters phishing for personal details. “What is changing is the criminals’ ability to connect with us, and that’s because of the device we carry with us 24/7,” said Amy Nofziger, director of fraud victim support at AARP Fraud Watch Network. “A day doesn’t go by where we don’t have a million-dollar loss.” Nobody ever expects to be the victim, but criminals are constantly fine-tuning their techniques and operating from well-worn playbooks. Here are tips on how to avoid some of the most devastating schemes and what to do if you or someone you care about becomes ensnared."

Scams operate through a variety of deceptive tactics designed to exploit human psychology and vulnerabilities. Understanding these methods can help individuals protect themselves and others from falling victim to fraudulent schemes. Common scam techniques include: 1. Phishing: Scammers send emails or text messages impersonating legitimate organizations to trick recipients into revealing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links. 2. Social engineering: Manipulating people into divulging confidential information or performing actions that compromise their security, often by exploiting trust or creating a sense of urgency. 3. Impersonation: Pretending to be a trusted entity (e.g., government official, bank representative, or tech support) to gain victims' trust and access to their information or finances. 4. Fake investments: Promising unrealistic returns on investments, often in cryptocurrencies or foreign exchange markets, to lure victims into parting with their money. 5. Romance scams: Building fake romantic relationships online to manipulate victims emotionally and financially. 6. Lottery or prize scams: Claiming the victim has won a prize but must pay fees or taxes upfront to claim it. 7. Tech support scams: Convincing victims their computer is infected with malware and charging for unnecessary "repairs" or stealing personal information. 8. Employment scams: Offering fake job opportunities that require upfront payments or personal information. Scammers often exploit common human traits: - Fear: Creating a sense of urgency or threat to prompt hasty decisions. - Greed: Offering too-good-to-be-true deals or get-rich-quick schemes. - Trust: Leveraging authority figures or familiar brands to appear legitimate. - Sympathy: Playing on emotions to manipulate victims into helping. To execute their schemes, scammers may use: - Sophisticated technology: Spoofing caller IDs, creating convincing fake websites, or using AI to generate realistic voice or video content. - High-pressure tactics: Rushing victims into making decisions before they can think critically or seek advice. - Continual adaptation: Quickly changing methods to stay ahead of awareness campaigns and law enforcement efforts. Protection against scams involves: - Educating oneself and others about common scam tactics - Verifying the identity of contacts independently - Being skeptical of unsolicited offers or requests - Avoiding sharing personal or financial information without verification - Using secure, updated technology and strong passwords - Reporting suspected scams to relevant authorities By understanding how scams operate, individuals can better recognize warning signs and protect themselves from fraudulent activities. However, scammers continually evolve their tactics, so staying informed and vigilant is crucial in the ongoing battle against fraud.

A friend recently fell victim to a work-from-home scam, losing money they could have used for better things. It's a harsh reminder that online financial scams are more prevalent than ever. The scam promised easy money but required an upfront deposit. Needless to say, the "employer" vanished after receiving the money. This isn't an isolated incident. 4 Common Online Scams to Watch Out For: Fake Work-From-Home Offers: As the remote work trend continues, so do these scams. In 2023, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (ICCC) received over 242,000 reports with losses exceeding $2.3 billion, with work-from-home scams ranking high on the list. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don't pay upfront for work-from-home opportunities. Phishing Attacks: These deceptive emails or texts try to trick you into revealing personal information or clicking malicious links. Phishing attacks were responsible for 81.3% of data breaches in 2022. Don't click on suspicious links or attachments. Contact the real organization directly to confirm offers. Investment Scams: Fraudsters lure victims with promises of high returns on "guaranteed" investments. A 2023 study found 55% of all digital payment frauds in India are linked to UPI transactions. Be cautious of unsolicited investment offers. Social Media Scams: Scammers exploit social media platforms to impersonate friends, family, or even companies to gain trust and steal money. In 2023, it was estimated that social media scams resulted in losses exceeding $3 billion. Enable two-factor authentication on your social media accounts. If you suspect a scam, report it to the relevant authorities. By sharing our experiences and staying informed, we can create a safer online environment for everyone. #FinancialScams #OnlineSafety #BeCyberSavvy #cyberscams #Besafe #financialfraud