THE GEN C:\> SCAN PHANTOM-HACKER
Phantom Hacker Scam
A layered scam that often starts as fake tech support. Then a fake "bank fraud department" and sometimes a fake government agent (Federal Reserve, FBI, FTC) say hackers are in your accounts and you must move your savings to a "safe" account. The FBI says it hits older adults especially hard.
"This is the fraud department. A foreign hacker has accessed your accounts. To protect your savings, you must transfer them to a secure Federal Reserve account today. Do not tell bank staff why — they may be involved."
Red flags
- Told to move money to "protect it" or to a "safe" account
- Hand-offs between "tech support," "your bank," and "the government"
- Told not to tell anyone the real reason
- Cash, wire, crypto, or gold
What to do
- No real bank or government agency will ever tell you to move money to protect it.
- Hang up. Call your bank using the number on your card or statement.
- Never let someone who contacted you control your computer.
Where to report it
- Report to the FBI: ic3.gov
- Report to the FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- AARP Fraud Watch Helpline: 877-908-3360 (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. ET)
Got a message like this right now? Paste it into the free Scam Radar checker to see the red flags. It runs in your browser and never saves your message.
Know someone who'd fall for this?
Scammers count on people not talking about it. Send this guide to a parent, a friend, or the family group chat.
Related scams
- Deepfake Video Call Scams
- Fake AI App & ChatGPT Download Scams
- AI Phishing Email Scams
- Romance Scams & AI-Made Profiles
Keep your family safe
Copy a ready-made prompt from the Staying safe prompts, like setting up a family code word or locking down your accounts. Want an AI helper you can trust? Try the AI Finder quiz.
Sources
- FBI IC3 PSA: "Phantom Hacker" Scams Target Senior Citizens (Sep 29, 2023)
- FTC: New tech support scammers want your life savings (Mar 2024)
- FTC: How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Tech Support Scams
Last checked: 2026-10-19. General education, not legal or financial advice. Sample messages are made up.