Global Law Enforcement Collaboration Takes Down ‘LabHost’ Phishing-As-A-Service Platform – 2024

Global Law Enforcement Collaboration Takes Down ‘LabHost’ Phishing-As-A-Service Platform

The Takedown of the LabHost Platform is a Major Step in Reducing Phishing Scams

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Portions from Europol and UK Metropolitan Police

About This Article

Law enforcement agencies from 19 countries collaborated in a year-long operation to disrupt ‘LabHost,’ one of the world’s largest phishing-as-a-service platforms. Coordinated by Europol, the operation resulted in the compromise of LabHost’s infrastructure and the initial arrest of 37 suspects, with the potential for as many as 1,000 more arrests.

LabHost facilitated phishing attacks on users of hundreds of financial institutions worldwide for a monthly subscription fee. The platform, previously available on the open web, has been shut down following the investigation.

INTERPOL Financial Fraud Report: The Global Threat Expands Boosted By Technology – 2024

INTERPOL Financial Fraud Report: The Global Threat Expands Boosted By Technology

Organized Crime Groups using more Human Trafficking Victims to carry out Crypto-Investment (‘pig-butchering’) and other Scams

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• INTERPOL

About This Article

The recent INTERPOL assessment on global financial fraud underscores the growing threat posed by technology-enabled organized crime groups targeting victims worldwide.

Utilizing tools like Artificial Intelligence (AI), large language models, and cryptocurrencies, these groups orchestrate sophisticated fraud campaigns with minimal technical skills and at low costs. Secretary General Jürgen Stock warns of the epidemic scale of financial fraud, emphasizing the need for urgent action and enhanced information sharing.

The report reveals prevalent fraud trends such as investment fraud and romance fraud, necessitating multi-stakeholder partnerships to develop effective counter strategies. With financial fraud increasingly perpetrated by transnational networks, law enforcement faces the challenge of strengthening data collection and analysis to Read More …

SCARS Editorial Team2024-04-11T07:54:11-04:00April 11th, 2024|Categories: • CRIMINOLOGY, • GOVERNMENT / REGULATORY, 2024, ARTICLE, INTERPOL, SCARS Editorial Team, WORLDWIDE|Tags: Financial Fraud, INTERPOL, Scams, Threat Expands|

The Global Fraud Summit In The UK – 2024

The 2024 Global Fraud Summit In The UK

Addressing Global Fraud & Cybercrimes

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• UK Home Office

About This Article

The historic Global Fraud Summit, held in the UK on March 10-11, 2024, brought together world leaders, industry experts, and representatives from multiple continents to tackle the growing threat of global fraud.

The summit aimed to foster international collaboration, raise public awareness, and develop strategies to disrupt criminal operations and prevent future scams.

A key outcome was the establishment of a joint communique outlining areas of focus, including information sharing, law enforcement cooperation, public education campaigns, and technological solutions.

This summit signifies a major step towards a more unified global front against fraud.

SCARS Editorial Team2024-03-15T14:57:53-04:00March 15th, 2024|Categories: • ADVOCACY / POLICY, • GOVERNMENT / REGULATORY, 2024, ARTICLE, SCARS Editorial Team, UK Government, WORLDWIDE|Tags: Cybercrime, Fraud, Global Fraud Summit, Government Policy, Scams, UK|

LockBit Ransomware Shut Down By Combined Global Law Enforcement – 2024

LockBit Ransomware Shut Down By Combined Global Law Enforcement

Global Operation Chronos Shuts Down LockBit Ransomware

Cybercrime News

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Europol
• U.S. Department of Justice

About This Article

FBI and Europol reports LockBit as the most deployed ransomware globally, with operations disrupted by law enforcement across ten countries. LockBit, infamous for causing extensive financial damage, saw its criminal activities severely compromised.

The international effort, led by the UK’s National Crime Agency under ‘Operation Cronos’, coordinated by Europol, dismantled LockBit’s infrastructure, including 34 seized servers. Arrests were made in Poland and Ukraine, with warrants issued by French and US authorities. Over 200 cryptocurrency accounts linked to the group were frozen.

SCARS Editorial Team2024-02-21T22:12:44-05:00February 21st, 2024|Categories: • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2024, EUROPOL, NEWS, SCARS Editorial Team, U.S. Department of Justice, WORLDWIDE|Tags: EUROPOL, FBI, Law Enforcement, LockBit, NCA, Operation Chronos, Ransomware|

NASDAQ Global Financial Crime Report: Criminals Took US$3.1 Trillion from Victims and the Economy in 2023

Global Financial Crime Report: Criminals took US$3.1 Trillion from Victims in 2023 Per NASDAQ

Tracking the Impact of Financial Crimes on Victims

Author:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

The 2024 Global Financial Crime Report by Nasdaq reveals that transnational illicit activities, like romance scams and human trafficking, amassed over US$3 trillion, devastating victims’ sense of security and, at times, their lives. Nasdaq Chair and CEO Adena Friedman emphasizes, “The world’s multi-trillion-dollar financial crime epidemic is more than a money problem.”

Victims, like former U.S. Air Force intelligence officer & SCARS Chair Debby Montgomery Johnson, echo the sentiment, emphasizing the profound human costs. The report exposes the staggering impact on individuals, including romance scam losses totaling $3.8 billion in 2023 alone.

SCARS Emotional Scam Victims’ Support & Recovery Program – Turning Them Into Scam Survivors 2024

SCARS Emotional Scam Victims’ Support & Recovery Program

Turning Them Into Scam Survivors

Author:
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

Article Abstract

The SCARS 3 Step Emotional Support & Recovery Program for Relationship Scam Victims is a structured, comprehensive initiative aimed at transforming victims into survivors and ultimately thriving individuals.

In the first step, “New Arrivers,” victims receive crisis support, immediate assistance, and guidance on confronting the reality of their situation.

The second step, spanning the next 12 months, focuses on acceptance and empowerment, encouraging survivors to reinforce recovery gains, take corrective actions, and integrate the experience into their life stories.

The program provides ongoing support in the third step, promoting continued acceptance, socialization, and advocacy.

With components like individual therapy, support groups, and legal advice, the program operates on key principles such as trauma-informed care, compassion, and empowerment, offering victims Read More …

SCARS Editorial Team2024-01-21T16:35:41-05:00January 21st, 2024|Categories: • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD, WORLDWIDE|Tags: Scam Survivors, Scam Victims, Support Groups, Victims' Support|

SEXTORTION SCAM WARNING – URGENT – 2024

Very High Sextortion Scam Risk Targeting Teen Victims

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Portions from Paul Raffile, Teleo, Intel Analyst | Investigator | Security Strategy | Digital Risk | OSINT

Article Abstract

This article details an urgent Sextortion Scam Warning that has the potential to affect millions more teens in the coming weeks. Please help – read, respond and share, and report.

♦♦♦ Sextortion Scam Warning! We Need Your Help! We Need You To Report The Wizz App On The Google App Store And In The Apple iTunes Store, Then Report It To The FTC!

This Is Catastrophic And It Is Happening Right Under Our Noses!

TALK TO YOUR TEENS ABOUT SCAMS AND SPECIFICALLY ABOUT SEXTORTION SCAMS!

♦ There will be a nationwide child exploitation emergency on Monday, January 15th, unless you can urgently Read More …

SCARS Editorial Team2024-01-13T13:53:17-05:00January 13th, 2024|Categories: • ADVOCACY / POLICY, 2024, EDITORIAL / COMMENTARY, GUEST AUTHORS, SCARS Editorial Team, WORLDWIDE|Tags: COPPA, Scam Victims, Scam Warning, Sextortion, Sexual Extortion, Teen Victims, Teens, WIZZ, Wizz App|

Relationship Scam Victims – Impact On Employment And Jobs – Saving Employment After A Scam

Relationship Scam Victims – The Impact On Employment And Jobs – Saving Employment After A Scam

Recovery Psychology

Authors:
• Vianey Gonzalez – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

Article Abstract

The article examines the challenges faced by scam victims of relationship scams in maintaining their employment post-scam, outlining the emotional trauma’s impact on job performance. Authors Vianey Gonzalez and Dr. Tim McGuinness shed light on the struggles of scam victims, whose grief and emotional distress permeate into the workplace, making work seem insurmountable.

The emotional aftermath disrupts work routines, triggers absenteeism, and hampers productivity due to trauma-induced symptoms like brain fog, reduced motivation, and concentration difficulties. Scam victims also experience fear of judgment and social isolation at work, amplifying the emotional burden.

The piece offers advice, Read More …

SCARS Editorial Team2024-01-05T02:24:21-05:00January 4th, 2024|Categories: • ADVOCACY / POLICY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • PSYCHOLOGY, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych), WORLDWIDE|Tags: ADA, Americans with Disability Act, Employment, Jobs, Relationship Scam, Romance Scams, Scam Victims|

INTERPOL Operation HAECHI IV – Over 3,500 Successful Arrests – Expanded Details – 2023

INTERPOL Operation HAECHI IV – Expanded Details

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• INTERPOL

USD $300 Million Seized And 3,500 Suspects Arrested In International Financial Crime Operation HAECHI IV

Interpol Operation HAECHI IV was a global operation targeting cyber-enabled financial scams, running from July to December 2023.

SCARS Editorial Team2023-12-24T20:39:52-05:00December 24th, 2023|Categories: • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2023, INTERPOL, NEWS, SCARS Editorial Team, WORLDWIDE|Tags: INTERPOL, Operation HAECHI IV, Scammers Arrested|

The Forever Con Artist – A World History Of Deception – An Editorial About Scammers/Fraudsters – 2023

The Forever Con Artist – A World History Of Deception

Author:
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

The Forever Con Artist – A Journey Through Time

Unveiling the History of Con Men and Women – Understanding That Scams Have Always Been With Us!

The Forever Con Artist has always been something that interested me as an Anthropologist, Archaeologist, and Historian. While working on archeological projects in Mesoamerica and South America, I have always been fascinated by each culture’s tricksters and how ubiquitous they always were. I have often wondered to what extend scammers or fraudsters or tricksters were in the ancient world, because they are not a new phenomenon. Scams, fraud, and cons have always been with us – even animals are capable of pulling them off.

SCARS Editorial Team2023-12-09T05:34:51-05:00December 5th, 2023|Categories: • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2023, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD, WORLDWIDE|Tags: Con Artist, History of Scams|

Anger & Self-Radicalization – Recovery Psychology 2023

Anger & Self-Radicalization

How Scam Victims Radicalize Themselves

Recovery Psychology

Authors:
• Vianey Gonzalez – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

Anger & Self-Radicalization – When A Relationship Scam Ends Victims Face Many Demons, From Shock To Fear & Horror To Desperation To Anger!

Anger can often be the default state when a scam is discovered, a victim’s world collapses and what they thought was real and certain is proved to be anything but. The desire for certainty in some victims can be overwhelming regardless of what the impact will be on them psychologically.

Many victims will give in to denial as a way of coping with the incredible trauma they experience. While others, more realistic know that something terrible happened to them and they need help Read More …

SCARS Editorial Team2023-12-10T15:01:17-05:00December 4th, 2023|Categories: • FEATURED ARTICLE, • PSYCHOLOGY, 2023, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych), WORLDWIDE|Tags: Anger, Recovery Psychology, Scam Victims, Self-Radicalization|

Telegram Criminals | Brett Johnson’s Criminal Thoughts EP 1

Published November 28, 2023

Author:
• Brett Johnson, Former Cybercriminal Turned Good Guy, SCARS Advisor

Brett Johnson’s new podcast/video show about cybercriminals and fraudsters on Telegram

Cybersecurity, Cybercrime, Fraud, and Identity Theft Expert. Keynote Speaker, Consultant, Writer, Podcast Personality. Former USA Most Wanted Cybercriminal, Identity Thief, Hacker, and Original Internet Godfather

Brett is a SCARS Advisor and past career cybercriminals who turned his life around!

SCARS Editorial Team2023-12-11T00:53:14-05:00December 1st, 2023|Categories: • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2023, Brett Johnson, VIDEO / AUDIO, WORLDWIDE|Tags: Brett Johnson, Criminal Thoughts, Podcast, Video|

Scams and Cryptocurrency Go Hand in Hand

Scams and Cryptocurrency go Hand in Hand

Authors:
• Yaniv Hanoch, Associate Professor in Risk Management, University of Southampton; and
• Stacey Wood, Professor of Psychology, Scripps College

Scams And Cryptocurrency Can Go Hand In Hand – Here’s How They Work And What To Watch Out For

When one of our students told us they were going to drop out of college in August 2021, it wasn’t the first time we’d heard of someone ending their studies prematurely. What was new, though, was the reason. The student had become a victim of a cryptocurrency scam and had lost all their money – including a bank loan – leaving them not just broke, but in debt. The experience was financially and psychologically traumatic, to say the least.

SCARS Editorial Team2024-01-02T04:08:55-05:00September 23rd, 2023|Categories: • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2023, ARTICLE, GUEST AUTHORS, The Conversation, WORLDWIDE|Tags: Cryptocurrency, Scams|

Global Law Enforcement Collaboration Takes Down ‘LabHost’ Phishing-As-A-Service Platform

The Takedown of the LabHost Platform is a Major Step in Reducing Phishing Scams

Authors: • SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Portions from Europol and UK Metropolitan Police

About This Article

INTERPOL Financial Fraud Report: The Global Threat Expands Boosted By Technology

Organized Crime Groups using more Human Trafficking Victims to carry out Crypto-Investment (‘pig-butchering’) and other Scams

Authors: • SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • INTERPOL

About This Article

The 2024 Global Fraud Summit In The UK

Addressing Global Fraud & Cybercrimes

Authors: • SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • UK Home Office

About This Article

LockBit Ransomware Shut Down By Combined Global Law Enforcement

Global Operation Chronos Shuts Down LockBit Ransomware

Cybercrime News

Authors: • SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Europol • U.S. Department of Justice

About This Article

Global Financial Crime Report: Criminals took US$3.1 Trillion from Victims in 2023 Per NASDAQ

Tracking the Impact of Financial Crimes on Victims

Author: • SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

SCARS Emotional Scam Victims’ Support & Recovery Program

Turning Them Into Scam Survivors

Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

Article Abstract

SEXTORTION SCAM WARNING – URGENT – 2024

Very High Sextortion Scam Risk Targeting Teen Victims

Authors: • SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Portions from Paul Raffile, Teleo, Intel Analyst | Investigator | Security Strategy | Digital Risk | OSINT

Article Abstract

♦♦♦ Sextortion Scam Warning! We Need Your Help! We Need You To Report The Wizz App On The Google App Store And In The Apple iTunes Store, Then Report It To The FTC!

This Is Catastrophic And It Is Happening Right Under Our Noses!

Relationship Scam Victims – The Impact On Employment And Jobs – Saving Employment After A Scam

Recovery Psychology

Article Abstract

INTERPOL Operation HAECHI IV – Expanded Details

Authors: • SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • INTERPOL

USD $300 Million Seized And 3,500 Suspects Arrested In International Financial Crime Operation HAECHI IV

The Forever Con Artist – A World History Of Deception

Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

The Forever Con Artist – A Journey Through Time

Unveiling the History of Con Men and Women – Understanding That Scams Have Always Been With Us!

Anger & Self-Radicalization

How Scam Victims Radicalize Themselves

Recovery Psychology

Anger & Self-Radicalization – When A Relationship Scam Ends Victims Face Many Demons, From Shock To Fear & Horror To Desperation To Anger!

Telegram Criminals | Brett Johnson’s Criminal Thoughts EP 1

Published November 28, 2023

Author: • Brett Johnson, Former Cybercriminal Turned Good Guy, SCARS Advisor

Brett Johnson’s new podcast/video show about cybercriminals and fraudsters on Telegram

Scams and Cryptocurrency go Hand in Hand

Authors: • Yaniv Hanoch, Associate Professor in Risk Management, University of Southampton; and • Stacey Wood, Professor of Psychology, Scripps College

Scams And Cryptocurrency Can Go Hand In Hand – Here’s How They Work And What To Watch Out For

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Portions from Europol and UK Metropolitan Police

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• INTERPOL

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• UK Home Office

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Europol
• U.S. Department of Justice

Author:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

Author:
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Portions from Paul Raffile, Teleo, Intel Analyst | Investigator | Security Strategy | Digital Risk | OSINT

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• INTERPOL

Author:
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

Author:
• Brett Johnson, Former Cybercriminal Turned Good Guy, SCARS Advisor

Authors:
• Yaniv Hanoch, Associate Professor in Risk Management, University of Southampton; and
• Stacey Wood, Professor of Psychology, Scripps College