A hacker got into fraudsters’ phones and computers.
There he could follow how the fraudsters cheated Swedish pensioners on their last money, according to SVT’s Uppdrag granskning (UG).
The hacker has been able to follow the scams, often at the same time as they happen. In one example, the fraudsters search for mobile numbers belonging to Blekinge residents in their 60s and 70s whose first name is Johan. Text messages are then sent out, which purport to be order confirmations from electronics chains or hardware stores with a phone number.
Calling myself
The fraudsters then sit back and wait for the victims to call. Then they pretend to be customer service and cancel the alleged order. But they say the victim’s account is subject to suspected fraud, and connect the call to a crony impersonating the victim’s bank.
The accomplice asks to remotely control the victim’s computer, says that there is a problem with the bank account and explains that the money should be temporarily transferred to a security account. Once that is done, the fraud is complete. The money is gone.
– Although I have the information on how not to do it, I have been deceived. It’s shameful. But the shame unit is not the worst feeling, but sadness. I have been really sad, says one of the victims to UG.
Four arrested
The frauds are part of gang crime and the fraudsters also deal with drugs, assault and extortion. Those involved move between different countries, and use goalkeepers to launder the money by buying watches and other luxury goods in Dubai.
The hacker has provided banks and police with information, and also shared the material with Mission Review. With the help of it, four people have been arrested, one of them in Porto, Portugal.
They are suspected of defrauding Swedish pensioners of SEK 25 million over six months.
Fact: Phone scams
Fraud is the most profitable activity within organized crime in Sweden.
There are estimated to be ten groups that target organized telephone fraud in Sweden, they are estimated to have a turnover of 700 million annually.
The police’s three tips to protect yourself are “hang up” if you feel unsafe, “never log in” via bank ID or box at someone else’s request and “don’t trust the caller”, even if it seems credible and has information about you.
Also, do not call any numbers that appear in an unknown text message. Instead, look up the number yourself for, for example, customer service.
(TT)