Cherokee County Residents Alerted to Rising 'Phantom Hacker' Scams Targeting Seniors

The FBI and Cherokee County officials are raising alarms over a surge in "Phantom Hacker" scams, particularly affecting senior citizens in areas like Woodstock and Canton.

 

These elaborate schemes have resulted in victims losing substantial portions of their life savings.

 

In a recent incident, an 80-year-old woman was defrauded of $200,000 in savings by an international scam ring.

 

The perpetrators posed as representatives from reputable organizations, convincing her that her identity had been stolen and that she needed to secure her assets.

 

This case underscores the sophisticated tactics scammers employ to exploit trust and urgency.

 

Authorities have identified a three-phase approach commonly used in these scams:

 

Phase 1: Tech Support Impersonation

 

Scammers contact victims, claiming to be from legitimate tech support services, and assert that the victim's computer has been compromised.

 

They then persuade the victim to grant remote access to their computer.

 

Phase 2: Financial Institution Impersonation

 

Following the initial contact, another scammer poses as a representative from the victim's bank or financial institution.

 

They inform the victim that their accounts have been accessed by foreign hackers and advise transferring funds to a "safe" account, often controlled by the scammers.

 

Phase 3: Government Agency Impersonation

 

In some cases, scammers further impersonate government officials, such as those from the Federal Reserve, to legitimize their claims and pressure victims into compliance.

 

To protect yourself and your personal finances, consider the following tips:

 

- **Do not** click on unsolicited pop-ups, links, or email attachments.

 

- **Avoid** contacting phone numbers provided in unexpected messages.

 

- **Never** download software or allow remote access to your computer at the request of unknown individuals.

 

- **Remember**, legitimate government agencies will **never** ask you to transfer money via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards.

 

If you suspect you've been targeted by such a scam, report it immediately to the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.

 

Staying informed and vigilant is crucial in safeguarding against these evolving threats.

 

The FBI has posted additional information in a public bulletin.