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‘Phantom Hacker’ Scam Targets Apple and Android Users, FBI Issues Urgent Warning

A fast-growing scam dubbed the “Phantom Hacker” is making the rounds, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is warning both Apple and Android users to stay on high alert. Exploiting public trust in banks and government agencies, these fraudsters have already caused substantial financial losses to unsuspecting victims across the country.


The Three-Step Scam

  1. Initial Contact
    The scam begins with a phone call, email, or pop-up claiming to be from a bank or a government entity. Victims are told their account is compromised and urged to act fast.
  2. Tech Support Trick
    Victims are then pressured into downloading software—purportedly to safeguard their computer or mobile device—granting scammers remote access. This software is often disguised as legitimate tech support tools but is actually malicious.
  3. Financial Transfer
    Once they have remote access, the scammers advise the victim to transfer funds, allegedly to “secure” or “federally protect” their accounts. In some cases, scammers follow up by posing as government officials, pressuring the victim to pay yet more money to resolve the problem.

Real-World Consequences

While precise figures on total losses are still unclear, recent cases illustrate how costly this scam can be:

  • Chicago: One woman lost $20,000 after transferring her savings to what she believed was a “secure” account.
  • Colorado: A similar scheme defrauded another victim of nearly $19,000.

According to the FBI, cybercrime complaints have increased by 20% in 2023. And while the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports a median individual scam loss of $500, the actual total is likely higher due to underreporting. Many victims are too embarrassed or unsure of where to file a complaint.


How to Protect Yourself

The FBI and cybersecurity experts recommend a few key precautions:

  1. Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Contact
    Legitimate banks or agencies won’t ask you to transfer money or share sensitive data by phone, email, or pop-up. If something feels off, hang up and call your bank or government agency using a verified number.
  2. Avoid Unknown Software
    Don’t download apps or software from unfamiliar sources. Scammers commonly use fake “support” tools to gain unauthorized remote access to your device.
  3. Verify Identities
    If contacted by someone claiming to be from a bank or government body, confirm independently by using official customer service lines. Never rely on phone numbers provided in suspicious emails or calls.
  4. Stay Updated
    Keep software current on all devices. Platforms such as Android now include new scam-protection features that flag suspicious calls and help prevent unauthorized app installations.

Ongoing Investigations

The FBI continues to investigate the scope of the “Phantom Hacker” scam, which preys on people’s fears and rapidly evolves to evade detection. Authorities urge anyone who has been targeted—or knows someone who has—to report the incident to law enforcement immediately.

“Maintaining vigilance is the first line of defense against these scammers,” an FBI spokesperson noted. “If a communication seems suspicious or too urgent, pause and verify before taking any action.”

As digital threats become more sophisticated, officials say staying informed, following basic cybersecurity practices, and carefully scrutinizing unsolicited messages can make all the difference.

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