Tag Archives: fraud

Fraudulent gambling network may actually be something more nefarious

A sprawling infrastructure that has been bilking unsuspecting people through fraudulent gambling websites for 14 years is likely a dual operation run by a nation-state-sponsored group that is targeting government and private-industry organizations in the US and Europe, researchers said Wednesday. Researchers have previously tracked smaller pieces of the enormous infrastructure. Last month, security firm… Read More: Fraudulent gambling network may actually be something more nefarious »

5 plead guilty to laptop farm and ID theft scheme to land North Koreans US IT jobs

Each defendant also helped the IT workers pass employer vetting procedures. Travis and Salazar, for example, appeared for drug testing on behalf of the workers. Travis, an active-duty member of the US Army at the time, received at least $51,397 for his participation in the scheme. Phagnasay and Salazar earned at least $3,450 and $4,500,… Read More: 5 plead guilty to laptop farm and ID theft scheme… »

Here’s how deepfake vishing attacks work, and why they can be hard to detect

By now, you’ve likely heard of fraudulent calls that use AI to clone the voices of people the call recipient knows. Often, the result is what sounds like a grandchild, CEO, or work colleague you’ve known for years reporting an urgent matter requiring immediate action, saying to wire money, divulge login credentials, or visit a… Read More: Here’s how deepfake vishing attacks work, and why they can… »

AT&T rolls out Wireless Account Lock protection to curb the SIM-swap scourge

AT&T is rolling out a protection that prevents unauthorized changes to mobile accounts as the carrier attempts to fight a costly form of account hijacking that occurs when a scammer swaps out the SIM card belonging to the account holder. The technique, known as SIM swapping or port-out fraud, has been a scourge that has… Read More: AT&T rolls out Wireless Account Lock protection to curb the… »

FBI busts musician’s elaborate AI-powered $10M streaming-royalty heist

reader comments 148 On Wednesday, federal prosecutors charged a North Carolina musician with defrauding streaming services of $10 million through an elaborate scheme involving AI, as reported by The New York Times. Michael Smith, 52, allegedly used AI to create hundreds of thousands of fake songs by nonexistent bands, then streamed them using bots to… Read More: FBI busts musician’s elaborate AI-powered $10M streaming-royalty heist »

Cops called after parents get tricked by AI-generated images of Wonka-like event

Enlarge / A photo of “Willy’s Chocolate Experience” (inset), which did not match AI-generated promises, shown in the background. reader comments 126 On Saturday, event organizers shut down a Glasgow-based “Willy’s Chocolate Experience” after customers complained that the unofficial Wonka-inspired event, which took place in a sparsely decorated venue, did not match the lush AI-generated images… Read More: Cops called after parents get tricked by AI-generated images of… »

The FCC says new rules will curb SIM swapping. I’m pessimistic

reader comments 6 with After years of inaction, the FCC this week said that it’s finally going to protect consumers against a scam that takes control of their cell phone numbers by deceiving employees who work for mobile carriers. While commissioners congratulated themselves for the move, there’s little reason yet to believe it will stop… Read More: The FCC says new rules will curb SIM swapping. I’m… »

Hacker took pains to hide $3.36B of stolen bitcoin. Feds found it anyway

Enlarge / Bitcoin laundering concept vector illustration. reader comments 52 with 41 posters participating Share this story Federal prosecutors have recovered $3.36 billion in bitcoin that was stolen a decade ago from Silk Road, the dark web bazaar responsible for distributing massive quantities of illegal drugs and other illicit goods and services to people worldwide.… Read More: Hacker took pains to hide $3.36B of stolen bitcoin. Feds… »

Debit card fraud leaves Ally Bank customers, small stores reeling

Enlarge / Ally debit card owners are reporting fraudulent charges at a steady cadence over the past week. Getty Images reader comments 106 with 71 posters participating Share this story Ben Langhofer, a financial planner and single father of three in Wichita, Kansas, decided to start a side business. He had made a handbook for… Read More: Debit card fraud leaves Ally Bank customers, small stores reeling »