Subject: FTC Cracks Down on Tech Support Scams, Targeting Schemes That Prey on Cord Cutters
Source: Cord Cutters News
https://cordcuttersnews.com/ftc-cracks-down-on-tech-support-scams-targeting-schemes-that-prey-on-cord-cutters/
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is strengthening its fight against tech support scams with new rules that expand its authority to pursue scammers even when consumers initiate the call. This move aims to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly older adults and those navigating the world of cord-cutting, who are often targeted by these deceptive schemes.
Expanding the Telemarketing Sales Rule – The FTC has amended its Telemarketing Sales Rule to include “inbound” calls to companies offering tech support services through deceptive advertisements or direct mail solicitations. This means the FTC can now take action against scammers who lure consumers into calling them with false claims about computer viruses, malware infections, or other technical problems.
How the Scams Work – Tech support scams typically involve:
- Deceptive Pop-ups or Emails: Scammers often use alarming pop-up messages or emails that mimic legitimate security alerts, claiming that the victim’s computer or device is infected.
- Unsolicited Phone Calls: Scammers may also make unsolicited phone calls, posing as tech support representatives from well-known companies.
- Requests for Payment: Once they have gained the victim’s trust, scammers will request payment for their “services” through untraceable methods like wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
Source: Help Net Security
https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2024/12/02/haechi-v-interpol-global-operation-targeting-cyber-fraud/
A coordinated international operation involving law enforcement agencies from 40 countries led to the arrest of over 5,500 individuals linked to financial crimes and the confiscation of more than $400 million in virtual assets and government-backed currencies. The five-month Operation HAECHI V (July – November 2024) targeted seven types of cyber-enabled frauds: voice phishing, romance scams, online sextortion, investment fraud, illegal online gambling, BEC fraud, and e-commerce fraud.
“While 5,500 arrests is significant, this likely represents lower-level operators in call centre-style operations rather than major cybercrime orchestrators. These groups target high volumes of victims for smaller payouts, rather than the larger ransomware payouts from more sophisticated actors. These operations typically operate at scale, stealing 1,000s of USD at a time, which then adds up, rather than a smaller number of big-time operations such as ransomware, which may net 100,000s of USD per target. …
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