CYBERCRIME: FBI issues PIN warning about scam Crypto investment apps
Posted By Iain Fraser Cybersecurity Journalist
IainFraser.net/Blog
The FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) have issued a PIN (Private Industry Notification) warning to all "legitimate" crypto financial institutions and private investors alike that Cyber-criminals are targeting would-be Crypto investors in a scam that is reported to have already yielded in excess of $42.7 million from 244 victims.
According to the FBI, scammers have used phishing attacks to convince victims to download fake mobile cryptocurrency investment apps impersonating legitimate investment apps. The victims then deposit cryptocurrency into wallets associated with their accounts on the app, giving the scammers control of the funds. One campaign between December and May used the name and logo of an unnamed legitimate company and defrauded 244 victims and estimates the approximate loss associated with this activity to be $42.7 million
The FBI has been tracking cyber criminals contacting US investors, fraudulently claiming to offer legitimate cryptocurrency investment services, and convincing investors to download fraudulent mobile apps, which the cyber criminals have used with increasing success over time to defraud the investors of their cryptocurrency.
The FBI is encouraging financial institutions and investors who suspect they have been defrauded through fake cryptocurrency investment apps to contact the FBI via the Internet Crime Complaint Centre or their local FBI field office. Learn More /...
