Shownotes Transcript
Hey there, folks. I'm Scotty, your go-to expert on all things scams, cyber, and hacking. Let's dive right into the latest on internet scams that have been making headlines.You know, it's been a wild ride in the world of cybercrime lately. Just a few days ago, Interpol wrapped up their massive Operation HAECHI V, arresting over 5,500 alleged cybercrooks and seizing more than $400 million in virtual assets and government-backed currencies. This operation targeted various types of cyber-enabled fraud, including voice phishing, romance scams, and e-commerce fraud. One notable case involved dismantling a sprawling voice phishing syndicate in Korea and China, responsible for financial losses totaling $1.1 billion and affecting over 1,900 victims[5].But that's not all. Closer to home, in Rhode Island, Homeland Security Investigations arrested two individuals, Jirui Liu and Kush J. Patel, for their involvement in online scams targeting seniors. These scammers used elaborate schemes to defraud victims of large sums of money and gold bars. For instance, one victim was convinced to hand over $30,000 in cash and $130,000 in gold bars. It's a stark reminder of how vulnerable seniors can be to these scams[2].Now, let's talk about some of the fastest-growing scams of 2024. According to NatWest, fake parcel delivery texts are on the rise. Scammers send fake delivery notifications, prompting recipients to click on a link to reschedule delivery or pay a fee. These links often lead to phishing sites designed to steal personal information or install malware on the victim's device[1].Another scam to watch out for involves social media marketplaces. Scammers are using these platforms to sell non-existent goods or services, often using AI voice cloning to make their scams more convincing.And then there are the task scams. The Federal Trade Commission recently reported a sharp spike in online job scams that require consumers to repeat sets of tasks. These scams have increased massively in the last four years, with reports quadrupling to about 20,000 in just the first half of 2024. These scams have helped drive an overall increase in reported losses to job scams, totaling more than $220 million in just the first six months of 2024[4].So, what can you do to avoid these scams? First, always be cautious with unsolicited messages or calls. If someone claims to be from a reputable company or government agency, verify their identity by contacting the organization directly. Never click on links from unknown sources, and always keep your personal information and passwords secure.And remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Stay vigilant, folks, and let's keep these scammers at bay. That's all for today. Stay safe online.