The Phantom Hacker Scam

The Phantom Hacker Scam has scammers that impersonate technology, banking, and government officials in three phases, each phase designed to gain trust and take increasing amounts of money from their victims.

Tech Support Imposter

1. The scammer poses as tech or customer support from a legit company. The victim receives a text, call, or pop-up window directing them to call a number for assistance.
    
2. Once on the phone, the fraudster instructs the victim to download a program that allows the fraudster to view the victim’s computer and run a fake “virus scan” to convince the victim their computer is hacked.
    
3. Then, the scammer asks the victim to open their accounts to see if there are unauthorized charges. This allows the fraudster to see which account has the most money and is the best to target.
    
4. Before hanging up, they tell the victim that someone from the victim’s financial institution will call the victim to help with the fraudulence.

Financial Institution Imposter

1. The scammer calls the victim, claiming to be from the victim’s financial institution’s “fraud department,” and states that the victim’s computer and bank accounts have been hacked.
    
2. The scammer directs the victim to move their money to a safe U.S. government account via cash, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer.

U.S. Government Imposter

1. A “government official” imposter contacts the victim. This is done in an effort to add another layer of trust to convince the victim their money still isn’t safe.
    
2. The imposter informs the victim their money needs to be moved again, allowing the imposter to steal more money from the victim.

TIPS:

• If you receive a call or text message stating that it is from Arrowhead Credit Union requesting information, hang up and validate it's us by calling (800) 743-7228.
• Do not let an unknown person have access to your computer.
• Do not click on unsolicited pop-ups, links, texts, or email attachments.
• The US Government will never request you to send money via a wire transfer to foreign accounts, cryptocurrency, or gift/prepaid cards.
• The FBI requests victims report these fraudulent or suspicious activities to their local FBI field office and the FBI IC3 at www.ic3.gov. Be sure to include as much information as possible.¹
• Stay informed about and how to protect yourself so you can better recognize them if they happen to you or a loved one.

Contact us immediately if you feel a fraudster has or may have accessed your Arrowhead account.

¹"Phantom Hacker" Scams Target Senior Citizens and Result in Victims Losing their Life Savings (ic3.gov)