scams

Meet Rey, the Admin of ‘Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters’

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Rey, admin of the notorious cybercriminal group “Scattered LAPSUS$ Hunters” (SLSH), has been identified following an interview where he confirmed his real identity. SLSH, comprising three hacking groups, has extorted major corporations through social engineering, including companies like Toyota and FedEx. Rey previously managed data leak operations for other ransomware groups and recently launched a new ransomware service called ShinySp1d3r. Despite initially engaging in cybercrime, Rey, now 15, claims to be trying to distance himself from the criminal activities and has communicated with law enforcement about his involvement. His digital footfalls, however, led to his identification.

https://krebsonsecurity.com/2025/11/meet-rey-the-admin-of-scattered-lapsus-hunters/

Lifetime Access to WormGPT 4 Costs Just $220

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WormGPT 4, a malicious AI tool, costs $220 for lifetime access, allowing cybercriminals to easily generate malware and phishing attempts without requiring extensive technical knowledge. This AI can create ransomware scripts and other malicious code, significantly lowering entry barriers for attackers. Another model, KawaiiGPT, is free and also capable of producing harmful scripts, exemplifying the growing accessibility of malicious AI tools.

https://www.theregister.com/2025/11/25/wormgpt_4_evil_ai_lifetime_cost_220_dollars/

FBI Reports $262M in ATO Fraud as Researchers Cite Growing AI Phishing and Holiday Scams

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FBI reports over $262M lost to account takeover (ATO) fraud this year, targeting various sectors through social engineering and phishing. Cybercriminals impersonate financial institutions to steal sensitive information and funds. Users are advised to monitor accounts and protect personal information. The rise of AI in phishing tactics is linked to increased holiday scams, with significant vulnerabilities exploited across e-commerce platforms. A shift towards sophisticated purchase scams is noted, involving authorized payments by victims, complicating fraud detection.

https://thehackernews.com/2025/11/fbi-reports-262m-in-ato-fraud-as.html

The Scammer Next Door — The Dial

India's increasing fraud culture mirrors its stark inequality. A journalist recounts receiving a fake lottery call, leading to insights into a booming scam industry during the COVID-19 lockdown. Exposing the inner workings, she interviews scam operators like “Rana Pratap,” who leverage desperation and misinformation for profit. Amid mass unemployment, many view scamming as a viable career. The growth of scams reveals a collective disillusionment; ordinary citizens, driven by a deteriorating trust in traditional success paths, become scamming entrepreneurs, reflecting a troubling trend of deceit in society.

https://www.thedial.world/articles/news/india-scams-scamlands

Better Business Bureau Issues Warning About ‘ghost Tapping’ Scam. Here’s Why You May Not Even Be Aware if You’ve Been a Victim of This Trend

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Ghost tapping scam exploits contactless payments. Scammers charge unsuspecting victims large amounts through “tap-to-pay” without consent. Methods include bumping into people or posing as vendors. Victims may not realize until seeing charges. Stay vigilant: use RFID-blocking wallets, verify merchants, enable transaction alerts, and report suspicious activity swiftly.

https://moneywise.com/news/better-business-bureau-issues-warning-about-ghost-tapping

Inside the Rise of AI-Powered Pharmaceutical Scams

AI-driven scams in healthcare exploit trust by impersonating real doctors to sell counterfeit medications. Scammers use deepfake technology for false endorsements, creating fake social media accounts and websites that mimic legitimate clinics. These operations pose serious health risks by promoting unapproved drugs like fake GLP-1 products. The coordinated fraudulent networks leverage shared infrastructure, making scams scalable. Consumers are urged to verify pharmacy legitimacy and be cautious of online ads. A collaborative response involving cybersecurity experts and healthcare agencies is essential to combat these threats.

https://blog.checkpoint.com/healthcare/inside-the-rise-of-ai-powered-pharmaceutical-scams/

Europol Dismantles SIM Farm Network Powering 49 Million Fake Accounts Worldwide

Europol disrupted a SIM farm network enabling the creation of 49 million fake accounts used for various cybercrimes, including phishing and fraud. The operation led to seven arrests and the seizure of equipment and funds across multiple countries, revealing significant financial fraud impacts. The network provided services for anonymous communication and facilitated numerous criminal activities worldwide.

https://thehackernews.com/2025/10/europol-dismantles-sim-farm-network.html

They Traveled to Thailand. They Wound up Cyber Scam Slaves in Myanmar.

A commercial flight from Ethiopia to Bangkok leads Oly, a 39-year-old I.T. consultant, into a human trafficking scheme. Victims at scam centers in Myanmar, run by Chinese gangs, are forced into online fraud operations. Oly is misled by fake immigration officials and abducted upon arrival, eventually ending up in KK Park, a notorious scam enclave. He and others endure grueling work conditions, violence, and exploitation. Some manage to escape, but rescuers face challenges aiding victims. Despite efforts to shut down centers, thousands remain trapped in ongoing scams, with victims suffering severe mistreatment and public authorities denying involvement.

https://www.reuters.com/graphics/SOUTHEASTASIA-SCAMS/mypmxwdwwvr/

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