New York Attorney General Letitia James is warning New Yorkers about a sophisticated scam known as the “Phantom Hacker,” which has already stolen more than $1 billion nationwide from victims — many of them seniors and retirees.
The scam unfolds in three coordinated phases designed to convince victims that their money is in danger and must be moved for safekeeping.
It typically begins with a text, call, email, or pop-up claiming that a victim’s bank account has been hacked. Victims are then directed to call a fake customer support number, where scammers instruct them to download software that gives hackers remote access to their computer.
In the second phase, another scammer impersonating the victim’s bank contacts them, warning that their account has been compromised by a foreign hacker. The victim is pressured into transferring money — often through wire, cash, or cryptocurrency — to a so-called “safe” government account.
Finally, to lend legitimacy, a third scammer may pose as a government official, sending follow-up emails or letters on fake letterhead to convince victims the transfers are legitimate.
“Heartless scammers are stealing people’s hard-earned retirement savings that they rely on to pay bills,” said Attorney General James. “I am urging all New Yorkers to beware of this three-phase scam that is made to appear legitimate. Seniors deserve to live comfortably in their retirement years with the savings they worked hard to build.”
Attorney General James offered the following tips to avoid falling victim:
- Do not click on unsolicited links in texts or emails.
- Do not call phone numbers provided in pop-ups, texts, or emails.
- Never give remote access to your computer to someone you don’t know.
- Never move money from your bank account at the request of a caller.
- If someone claims there is an issue with your account, hang up and call your bank directly using the number on your statement.
James emphasized that scams succeed by creating pressure and secrecy. “The best defense is to pause, hang up, and talk to someone you trust,” her office said.
Anyone who has been targeted or victimized is urged to file a complaint online or contact the Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-771-7755.
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