FBI: Tech Support Scammers Are Asking Victims to Mail Them Cash

The FBI issued a warning this week that technical support scammers are increasingly telling their victims to mail them cash.

These scams attempt to convince victims that fraudulent activity has occurred and they are due a refund, which can be claimed by calling a number. If called, the scammer then attempts to convince each victim to install some software, log into their bank account, and then “accidentally” deposits considerably more than the agreed refund amount. Of course, the payment never happens, but the victim is asked to return the extra money or the scammer will lose their (fictional) job.

Typically, victims are asked to wire funds or even send cryptocurrency to repay the overpayment, but the FBI discovered scammers are increasingly switching to asking for magazine-wrapped cash(Opens in a new window) sent to them via shipping companies. The mailing address given is usually a business address such as a pharmacy that will accept shipping company packages.

It’s unclear why these scammers are switching to cash, but it suggests receiving the money by other means while avoiding detection is becoming more difficult.

The FBI’s advice is as you’d expect: don’t interact with unsolicited messages, don’t download software from an unknown individual, don’t allow anyone you don’t know or trust to take control of your computer, and don’t send cash in the mail. Investing in a good security suite should also help protect you against unsolicitied pop-ups and suspicious software installations.

Tech support scammers regularly tweak their tactics in an attempt to increase their success rate. Last year the FBI spotted the scammers using remote desktop apps to dupe victims. The agency also discovered scammers attempting to interview for remote jobs using deepfake tech—securing the job allows access to customer and financial data. At least some of these scammers are now getting a taste of their own medicine.