FBI Warns of 'Phantom Hacker' Scam Draining Americans' Life Savings
- **The Scam's Deceptive Start:** Victims receive a fake pop-up, text, or call impersonating a tech company like Microsoft or Amazon, claiming their computer or bank account has been hacked. This initial "support" call is the catalyst for the entire con.
- **The 'FBI' Impersonation:** Worse, after the tech support scam, a second criminal posing as an FBI agent calls the victim. They use real agent names, badge numbers, and manipulated caller ID to appear legitimate, warning the victim that their money is now "at risk" from actual hackers.
- **The Deadly Demand:** To "protect" their funds, victims are instructed to withdraw tens of thousands of dollars in cash or buy gold bars. The fake FBI agent then sends a courier directly to the victim's home to collect the valuables for "safekeeping in a government vault."
- **The Real Cost:** The FBI reports that these con artists have drained over $55 million from victims in 2023 alone, often targeting the elderly. The median loss per victim is a staggering $20,000, with some losing their entire retirement nest egg.
- **What to Do:** The real FBI will *never* call you demanding money, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. If you get this call, hang up immediately. Do not engage. Report the number to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov.