Banking Fraud Combined with Work at Home Scams

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Banking Fraud Combined with Work at Home Scams

One of the most common ways is when the targeted organization receives a 'spear phishing' email which either contains an infected attachment, or directs them to an infected web site.

Once you open the attachment or visit the web site, malicious software [malware] is installed on your computer.

The malware contains a key logger which will harvest your business or corporate bank account log-in information. Shortly after, the scammer either creates another user account with the stolen log-in information, or directly transfers your funds out of your accounts.

The next step is for your money to be directed to the bank accounts of people within the United States. Most of these people are unaware of what is happening and have been recruited through work-at-home advertisements, or have been contacted after placing resumes on well-known job search web sites.

These people are often hired to 'process payments', or 'transfer funds' and are told they will receive wire transfers into their bank accounts. Shortly after the funds are received, they are directed to immediately forward most of the money overseas using wire transfer services such as Western Union and Moneygram.

Protecting your computer against malicious software is an ongoing activity and, at minimum, all computers need to have antivirus and firewall software, that is regularly updated.

Further information is available at http://www.us-cert.gov/nav/nt01/.

If you have experienced unauthorized funds transfers from your bank accounts, or if you have been recruited via a work-at-home opportunity to receive transfers and forward money overseas, please notify the IC3 by filing a complaint at www.IC3.gov.

Remember - always watch for scams!

Steve