Latest news with #identityTheft
Phone Arena
2 days ago
- Phone Arena
AT&T customer's birthdates, social security numbers show up online in plain text
AT&T subscribers need to be on alert. Back in 2024, 86 million records belonging to customers of the nation's third-largest carrier were supposedly stolen by the ShinyHunters group. The hackers were able to take advantage of major security flaws to access and steal the data. The database might have been repackaged and has turned up twice recently on a Russian cybercrime forum. It first appeared on May 15th of this year and showed up again on June 3rd, less than a week ago, and it has been spotted on other forums since then. According to the leaked data recently posted includes data points that by themselves could help expose AT&T customers. But putting the data all together can create customer account profiles that can be used for malicious purposes. The data can be used to help the hackers commit identity theft and take other fraudulent actions. In theory, the cyber crooks could use this data to request new SIM cards and perform a SIM swap. AT&T customer records stolen in a 2024 data breach are recently posted online. | Image By putting a requested SIM card replacement into a burner phone, the hackers could take control of an AT&T customer's phone, change all of the passwords, and clean out the victim's financial accounts. The data breach covers tens of millions of AT&T customers. The data stolen in the attack and posted online includes: Full names Date of birth Phone numbers Email addresses Physical addresses 44 Million Social Security Numbers (SSN) Even though the Date of Birth and Social Security numbers were originally encrypted, they are now in plain text. If you are an AT&T customer, your social security number might have leaked making this an extremely serious threat even if this repackaged data was stolen over a year ago. Screenshot of stolen data belonging to AT&T customers. | Image AT&T responded to the news by releasing the following statement: "It is not uncommon for cybercriminals to repackage previously disclosed data for financial gain. We just learned about claims that AT&T data is being made available for sale on dark web forums, and we are conducting a full investigation." The wireless provider added, "After analysis by our internal teams as well as external data consultants, we are confident this is repackaged data previously released on the dark web in March 2024. Affected customers were notified at that time. We have notified law enforcement of this latest development." If you are an AT&T customer, it is likely that your data was already leaked last year. Still, to be safe, even if AT&T reset your passwords or passcodes last year, you might want to do it again. Set up fraud alerts and change your credentials for financial apps including those you use for banking, stock trading, and your crypto holdings. Switch to Total 5G+ Unlimited 3-Month plan or Total 5G Unlimited and get a free iPhone. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase This offer is not available in your area.
CNET
3 days ago
- CNET
Is It Worth Reporting Scams? Why I Do and Why You Should Too
Reporting fraud to the FTC and the FBI helps educate the public and can help authorities catch at CNET commonly suggest victims contact the Federal Trade Commission or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center to share their experience if they've endured any type of fraud or identity theft. But even if you didn't suffer monetary loss or mistakenly coughed up your personal information — like your Social Security number — you should still report a scam. According to the FTC, only 38% of fraud reports to the agency in 2024 involved monetary losses. Fraud reports help the FTC and FBI inform and educate the public about popular scams, and they aid local and federal authorities in catching criminals. The latter especially is why I've reported fraud in the past, even though I didn't lose money. The scam on social media was just so clever, I thought others may fall for it because I almost did. If you fall victim to a scam, there are other steps you can take, like signing up for identity theft protection, freezing your credit reports or reaching out to your bank or credit card company to recover stolen funds. Just don't forget to let the FTC and FBI know about it. Why should you report instances of fraud? When you report fraud, you're being a good samaritan, and you may help reduce the chances of a scam hurting someone else. Both the FTC and the FBI's IC3 division study trends and update the public about popular swindles orchestrated by cybercriminals using information provided by everyday Americans. Some popular scams the agencies have warned about in recent months include toll road scams, fake Postal Service texts about online orders and cons related to hurricane relief. "The more information the FTC and IC3 receive, the better statistics they can get and use to alert consumers," said Chelsea Binns, a certified fraud examiner and associate professor at CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice. The FTC and IC3 also release annual reports that detail trends from the previous year using submitted complaints. Data is broken down by age, state, the frequency of specific crimes and dollars lost to each fraud type. Both agencies allow consumers to receive email alerts about popular scams year-round. To sign up for FTC alerts, click here. To sign up for IC3 alerts, click here. The FTC and IC3 also work with law enforcement to help catch cybercriminals. When you file a report with the FTC, it's added to its Consumer Sentinel database, which 2,800 federal, state, and local law enforcement partners across the country can access. Trained IC3 analysts similarly review and research complaints and pass along information to authorities. "This is how they can potentially build cases against fraudsters," Binns said. How do I report fraud to the FTC and FBI? You can report scams to the FTC at Cyber-related crimes should also be reported to IC3 at Combined, these agencies received over 3.4 million complaints last year. Keep in mind it's unlikely that you'll hear from the FTC or IC3 after you file a report, despite your complaint being used to corroborate information or inform trends. If someone posing as a government official reaches out to you and demands money, offers you a prize or threatens to arrest you, it's a scam. If you're a victim of identity theft, a specific category of fraud, you can report your case to the FTC at or by calling 1-877-438-4338. The FTC will lay out steps to recover your identity based on the information you provide. Each of these steps, like calling bill collectors and contacting bank fraud departments, can be time-consuming and may cost you money, especially if you have a lawyer handle it for you. If you have an identity theft protection service with white glove restoration services, this checklist can be completed for you. Can I get my money back after a scam? Unauthorized debit and credit card purchases are usually easier to reverse. But if you send money to scammers yourself, like in a gold bar scam, then getting your money back is more difficult. You should contact your bank immediately so they can potentially cancel a transaction. In cases where cryptocurrency is involved, payments are pretty much irreversible. Depending on the type of fraud you suffered, you'll want to take basic steps like changing your password, enrolling in two-factor authentication and turning on alerts for purchases made on your credit and debit cards. You should also consider deleting saved payment info from websites, Binns said. In the weeks and months after falling victim to fraud, it's essential to be on guard against any stranger who contacts you promising to get your money back. "What will happen is the original fraudster will come to you posing as an organization or service that is going to help you recover the funds you've lost," she said. "And, in turn, it'll just be another scam."
Health Line
6 days ago
- Business
- Health Line
Medicare Scams: How to Spot and Avoid Them
Medicare scams are a significant problem. They cost billions of dollars each year. Scams may include identity theft, false claims, and durable medical equipment (DME) fraud. Medicare scams occur when someone pretends to be from Medicare or connected to the program to obtain your personal information or money. These scams tend to rise during Medicare's open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7). This is the time of year when Medicare beneficiaries are encouraged to review their coverage and make any necessary changes. It is important to know the signs of scams and understand how to protect yourself from them. Do not give your personal information to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly and claims to be from or connected to Medicare. How to protect yourself from Medicare scams It is important to protect yourself from Medicare scams. In 2024, Medicare fraud and scams resulted in a loss of $1.6 billion. Medicare scams not only take money from the United States taxpayers, government, and Medicare, but they also cost Medicare beneficiaries in: time stress money health However, there are various ways you can protect yourself from Medicare scams. Avoid sharing your Medicare number Only share your Medicare number or Social Security Number with your doctor, pharmacy, or people who work with Medicare. If you receive an unexpected phone call from someone claiming to be connected with Medicare, do not share any personal information with them. Medicare will not usually call you unless it is in response to a request you have sent. If a Medicare representative does call you, they won't need your personal information because they will already have it. Don't trust your caller ID Scammers can spoof (fake) a phone number. This means that your caller ID may show Medicare's name or number, even if Medicare isn't calling you. To be sure the call is legitimate, hang up and call Medicare directly at 800-633-4227. Don't click suspicious links Not only can scammers fake phone numbers, but they can also fake emails. They can make it appear that an email is coming from Medicare. These emails can even take you to a website that looks authentic. Do not respond to any unexpected emails or texts, and do not click on any links. If you need to update your information or receive a text or email telling you to do so, go directly to and log in to your account. You can also call Medicare at 800-633-4227. Don't be afraid of threats Scammers may threaten that your Medicare benefits will be terminated if you don't do what they're asking. This often involves signing up for a specific plan. If you are eligible for Medicare, your benefits cannot be terminated for these reasons. Ignore persuasions to choose a certain plan If someone tries to sell you a plan that is 'preferred by Medicare,' do not speak with them. Medicare does not endorse any specific plans or policies. Destroy your old Medicare card Some scammers may claim you need to return your old card to Medicare. This is not true. If you receive a new Medicare card, destroy the old one immediately by cutting it up or shredding it. Medicare does not need your old card back. Protect your health records, and don't accept unexpected genetic testing kits Do not allow anyone but your doctor and other healthcare professionals to review your personal medical records. If you receive a shipment of a genetic testing kit that your doctor did not order, refuse the shipment and return it to the sender. It is important that you review your Medicare summary notice carefully for any unexpected charges. A summary notice is a letter Medicare will send you that lists all the healthcare services, supplies, and equipment you received. »Learn more: Medicare fraud and abuse Finding unbiased Medicare advice If you're looking for unbiased advice on Medicare coverage, plans, or scams, you can contact the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). You can contact SHIP by calling 877-839-2675 or locating your local SHIP office. Signs of a Medicare scam It helps to be aware of certain signs of Medicare scams so you can protect yourself against them. Offers of free items or services You should be suspicious of any offers that involve free medical services, supplies, or prescription medications. Scammers will often offer older adults valuable medical equipment. They then ask for your Medicare number and file high cost Medicare claims in your name. You should also be wary of any genetic testing or screenings your doctor did not order. This is a known scam where scammers bill Medicare for unnecessary genetic testing. Pressure to switch your Medicare plan Scammers claiming to be associated with Medicare may claim that you are preapproved for a new healthcare plan or prescription drug plan that has lower payments and better benefits. They may also tell you there is a fee to enroll in this new plan. Threats to cancel your coverage Scammers may call you and state that there is an issue with your Medicare account, like fraudulent activity. They may then tell you that your benefits will be canceled if you don't verify your personal information and enroll in a new plan. Claims you are eligible for a refund A common tactic for scammers is to tell older adults that, due to changes in their coverage, they are eligible for a Medicare refund. The scammer may ask for your Medicare number and bank account information. Takeaway Medicare scams are on the rise. They tend to be more common during Medicare's open enrollment period. Medicare scams can happen to anyone. It is important to know the signs, how to protect yourself, and how to report scams and fraud. To report scams and fraud directly to Medicare, call 800-633-4227. The information on this website may assist you in making personal decisions about insurance, but it is not intended to provide advice regarding the purchase or use of any insurance or insurance products. Healthline Media does not transact the business of insurance in any manner and is not licensed as an insurance company or producer in any U.S. jurisdiction. Healthline Media does not recommend or endorse any third parties that may transact the business of insurance.
BBC News
28-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Bradford man stole father's tenant's identity for Covid loan
A man who stole the identity of one of his father's tenants to apply for a Covid business loan has been jailed for two Ahmed, 40, from Bradford, "callously" involved an innocent woman in his attempts to gain £100,000 of fraudulent loans near the start of the pandemic in 2020, a judge Crown Court heard he stole personal information she had given to his father in order to rent a property and later used the documents to falsely claim she was a restaurant business of Bardsey Crescent, admitted five charges related to the fraud, with only £5,000 paid back so far, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. The court heard Ahmed was the shadow director of the business, but named his wife and his father's tenant as directors of the company in order to fraudulently claim the two £50,000 tenant had provided passport details and other information to Ahmed's father in order to rent her home, with the defendant using it to name her as director of the company. 'Shame on family' She had never been to the restaurant she was supposedly director of, the sentencing heard, with the company since wound a victim impact statement, the woman said she had suffered anxiety knowing her details had been used without her said she was also worried it would impact her ability to gain a loan in the future if one was defence barrister said the father of two had no previous convictions, adding: "He has brought shame on his family, they have never been involved in any criminal activity."Judge Sophie McKone told him: "You took advantage of a scheme designed to help businesses like yours and you cynically told lies to get money. "For your greed you took money from the public purse at a time when the public purse could least afford it."A proceeds of crime hearing to arrange the return of fraudulently gained funds is due to be held at a later date. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
CNET
27-05-2025
- Business
- CNET
What You Do After a Scam Matters More Than You Think
Getty Images/CNET Falling for a scam once feels bad enough. But the reality is that if you've been a victim, there's a good chance you'll be targeted again -- perhaps by the same swindler. In fact, con artists are known to go after scam victims by posing as FBI agents or other agencies and claiming to be helping get your money back. Americans lost $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, according to the Federal Trade Commission, a 25% increase from the year prior. These scams included investment scams and job scams. Here's how to avoid becoming a victim twice. What steps can you take to not become a repeat victim? If you're a scam victim and want to do everything you can to avoid becoming one again, there are several steps you can take. Get ID theft protection Most scams are intended to steal your money. But if in the process of falling victim to a scam you cough up your sensitive information to a bad actor, it could lead to identity theft. An identity theft and protection and monitoring service will actively look for clues that somebody else is using your identity, such as by monitoring your credit reports or the use of your personal data online. There are free services that monitor the dark web and your credit reports for unusual activity. But paid services offer more advanced features, such as bank account monitoring, identity theft insurance and identity restoration services in the event your ID is stolen. Freeze your credit report. A credit freeze on your credit reports -- or your kids' credit -- stops criminals from opening a credit card or taking out a loan in your name. The process is also completely free. However, you won't be able to either unless you unfreeze or "thaw" your credit. You must do this with all three major credit bureaus -- Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. Lock your Social Security number. You can even lock your Social Security number. What this does is prevent somebody from using your Social Security number to apply for a job or collect government payments. It's almost like making your SSN invisible. Watch out for targeted phishing scams After you've fallen victim once, you might start to see targeted phishing messages pop up in your texts or emails. This can happen after your personal data is compromised in a data breach, too. If you receive a message from someone posing as a government agency or perhaps an organization claiming they can refund your money, pay attention to the tone and language. If it's pushy, demanding and contains suspicious-looking links, delete and report the message as spam right away. Safeguard your personal data Don't be so quick to hand out your personal identifying information. If someone is asking for your bank details or your SSN, always ask why they need this information before providing it. Remember, you likely won't get your money back Unfortunately, once your money is in the hands of the scammers, it's unlikely to come back. You can reach out to your bank but if they're unable to reverse the wire transfer, your money is gone. However, if fraudsters got hold of your credit card information, you're covered against fraudulent charges, so work with your card issuer to get those charges reversed. How scammers will try to trick you again So, how do criminals try to trick victims again? They generally use tactics from the same playbook. Scammers pose as authority figures This strategy is often referred to as an imposter scam. Granted, any crook pretending to be somebody they're not is an imposter, but imposter scams typically refer to somebody pretending to have the power to make your life pretty uncomfortable -- think law enforcement, a court judge or a high-profile attorney. That's why many thieves going after scam victims pose as FBI agents or somebody high up in the government, like an official from the FTC. Chances are, if you believe them to be who they say they are, you're going to listen to them. "People, especially those who are older, were raised to respect authority," said Gary MacNamara, former Fairfield, Connecticut, Police Department chief, now the chief and executive director of public safety and government affairs at Sacred Heart University. Scammers prey on your fear According to MacNamara, if somebody contacts you from the FBI, police or some other law enforcement entity, respect for authority isn't the only thing they're banking on. "Having the FBI approach or call will instill fear in someone," MacNamara said. That fear will make it easier for them to convince you to do what they say. In these situations, it's important to slow down and try to think through the interaction. Why would the FBI need your banking information or other personal identifying information in order to help you get your money back? Chances are, they wouldn't need to ask. Scammers know you're desperate You're probably distressed if you've recently been scammed out of a lot of money. Crooks use that as leverage, "I have had many cases over the years where this kind of manipulation was used," MacNamara said. "They also play on a sense of urgency, embarrassment and other techniques." Sometimes, older people who have lost a lot of money are afraid their family members may put them in a nursing home, he added. Some tend not to reveal they've lost money, unless they have to, which just makes them more isolated and likely to accept help from an imposter government official. How can you verify that the person you're speaking with isn't a scammer? Scammers are increasingly getting more skilled at spoofing government agencies -- and swindling people out of their money multiple times over, as the FBI imposter scam warning demonstrates. "I can say with confidence that the FBI does not guarantee the recovery of funds lost to scams, nor does it charge for any such service," said Tracey Jenkins, a retired FBI supervisory special agent and an assistant teaching professor at Wichita State University School of Criminal Justice. If the "agent" you're speaking with claims to do so, your defenses should go up. Regardless of the company or agency contacting you, find an independent phone number -- not one the scammer provides -- and call to them verify. Why do my chances of being scammed again go up? Your chances of being conned again after falling victim to a scam are for the same reasons that the famous Willie Sutton stated about robbing banks: "Because that's where the money is." Sutton actually didn't say it, according to his memoir; a reporter doing a story on Sutton made up the quote. Still, it's a great explanation as to why scammers often pursue scam victims. It also makes a lot of sense from a criminal's perspective. You, the victim, have shown that you can be tricked, and now you're scared and feeling vulnerable and possibly desperate for some help. Scammers sometimes refer to this practice of going after scam victims as "reloading," Jenkins said "They or others use the victim's past experience to try and scam them again, often under a different pretext," he said. And often that different pretext is a crook posing as a good guy offering help.
