The methods of call center fraud are varied, but always aimed at the same goal: “earning” money. The scam ranges from fake refunds for products or services to “receipts” for fake transactions, such as an Amazon charge you never made but with a “helpful” phone support number.

The fraudsters also pose as the tax office

Investing money in investment programs with absurdly high returns is also part of the repertoire of call center tricksters, who use massive pressure to lure unsuspecting callers to deceptively genuine websites or cell phone apps.

Many of these actions seem completely far-fetched at first glance; after all, everyone knows that the police don't call to collect fines. But: firstly, some people can be very convincing and secondly, sometimes children or grandparents answer the phone who are not yet very familiar with criminal audacity and diversity and may be more easily intimidated.

Interpol has targeted telephone crime

Interpol is aware of the fraudulent activities and is now presenting the first results of its two-month global operation (“First Light 2022”): 76 countries took part in the global action against the organized groups in telecommunications and social engineering fraud.

Social engineering fraud : According to Interpol, refers to fraud “[that] manipulates or deceives people into disclosing confidential or personal information that can then be used for criminal financial gain.”

The police searched call centers suspected of telephone fraud, love scamming and email deception with the associated financial crime.

The operation is still ongoing, but has already produced initial results:

  • 1,770 locations searched worldwide
  • 2,000 arrests of operators, fraudsters and money launderers
  • Around 4,000 bank accounts frozen
  • Over $50 million in illicit funds intercepted

How can you protect yourself?

The results are a start and suggest that the criminal radius is much larger. So how can you protect yourself against these scams?

  • Personal information should be viewed as a valuable possession: never give out such data in a hurry. A correct caller certainly has nothing against a little time to think about it and a postponed phone call.
  • Heed the data principle: If in doubt, don't give it out. If in doubt, don't share anything and end the conversation.
  • Educate family and friends: How do they recognize fraud? Consumer protection and police websites often provide helpful tips.

Here you can find the full article by Sophos expert Paul Ducklin: “Interpol busts 2000 suspects in phone scamming takedown”.

Source: Interpol


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