L. flips the script. He starts by playing an unsuspecting target. Speaking in a polite and even tone, with a cadence that conveys naïveté, he follows instructions and allows the scammer to connect to his device. This doesn’t have any of his actual data, however. It is a “virtual machine,” or a program that simulates a functioning desktop on his computer, including false files, like documents with a fake home address. It looks like a real computer that belongs to someone. “I’ve got a whole lot of identities set up,” L. told me. He uses dummy credit-card numbers that can pass a cursory validation check.
The scammer’s connection to L.’s virtual machine is effectively a two-way street that allows L. to connect to the scammer’s computer and infect it with his own software. Once he has done this, he can monitor the scammer’s activities long after the call has ended; sometimes for months, or as long as the software goes undetected. Thus, sitting in his home office, L. is able to listen in on calls between scammer and targets — because these calls are made over the internet, from the scammer’s computer — and watch as the scammer takes control of a victim’s computer. L. acknowledged to me that his access to the scammer’s computer puts him at legal risk; without the scammer’s permission, establishing that access is unlawful. But that doesn’t worry him. “If it came down to someone wanting to prosecute me for accessing a scammer’s computer illegally, I can demonstrate in every single case that the only reason I gained access is because the scammer was trying to steal money from me,” he says.
Pooper scoopers, power cords and fake fish: People are receiving bizarre packages they didn't order. It's part of what's known as a "brushing scam" — a scheme that helps boost a vendors' ratings online. Here's how it works.
“FBI Says You May Not Own Your Home,” blares the headline on Home Title Lock’s website. The fearsome message is echoed in ads featuring radio hosts Kim Komando and Dana Loesch, as well as presidential lawyer and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who declares: “When your life is in chaos,...
Two things have been certain during this pandemic: People have been home more than ever, and they’ve been using technology more than ever to stay connected to the outside world. Scammers are keyed into these facts and are taking advantage. It’s the classic tech-support scam, and it is running rampant right now.
There’s a lot to worry about when it comes to the Coronavirus crisis, including the new ways scammers are using the economic impact payments (so-called “stimulus checks”) to trick people.
FC104 Financial Investigations Basics Back to List This training is intended for U.S. Criminal Justice Practitioners. Please register using your agency-issued email. This course was funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. This course provides fundamental knowledge on financial investigation and data analysis. The investigation portion of the course will cover common consumer scams, how to identify suspects and their financial accounts, and best processes for obtaining suspect's records. The analysis portion of the course will cover the process of acquiring data, discuss methods for entering data, and provide strategies for finding patterns in data sets. You must be logged in and registered to take this course. Have an account? Log in. Forgot your password? New user? 1. Register and create account. 2. Check your email for username and password. 3. Log in. Check your agency-issued email address. If you do not receive a username and password, your account is being manually verified by NW3C. You will be notified when this process is complete. For technical issues, visit our User Support page. You need to Register before you can take the course. Length Class Part/Link Status 5 min Pre-Test After completing the pre-test, proceed to Introduction. N/A 10 min Introduction After completing this module, proceed to Module 1. N/A 30 min Module 1 After completing this module, proceed to Module 2. N/A 20 min Module 2 After completing this module, proceed to the Post-test. N/A 5 min Post-Test Students who score 80% or higher have passed the post-test and will be awarded a certificate of completion. N/A 5 min Evaluation Student feedback is an important part of the training cycle. Please complete the following evaluation to assist us in determining the effectiveness of our training and to obtain 100% completion for this course. N/A Print Certificate of Completion To print a certificate, you must score 80% or higher on the post-test and be logged in. For technical issues, visit our User Support page. Back to List
Farmers market lies exposed: hidden camera investigation. Is the produce you're buying at the farmers market grown locally? Marketplace goes on an undercover shopping trip and catches vendors lying about where their produce is grown.
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The pandemic has many of us trying to limit our time in stores. This has led to a surge in the already growing online shopping industry. However, while shopping online is more convenient these days, the recent increase has also presented an increased opportunity for scammers.
Join us for our October check-in with the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline. The scams may change over time but our need to stay aware of them remains constant. Learn what is new and emerging across the nation.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recently put out a warning about a scam specifically targeting college students looking for a job as they head back to school.
Unfortunately, fraudsters are finding ways to take advantage of fears related to the coronavirus. Learn about the common scams and what you can do to protect yourself.
Spot a scam? Tell the BBB about it. Help the Better Business Bureau investigate scams and warn others. Report a scam or fraud, view scams reported by others.
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