The FBI, in partnership with Google and Black Lotus Labs, has disrupted a massive China-based phishing-as-a-service operation known as Outsider Enterprise. This operation was responsible for creating fake websites designed to steal credit card numbers, passwords, and other personal information.

How the Scam Worked

The scammers would send text messages that appeared to come from major wireless carriers, delivery services, or other familiar companies. These messages would often contain links to fake websites that looked real enough to trick people into entering sensitive information.

The use of AI tools, including Gemini, allowed the scammers to create fraudulent sites and scam content quickly and efficiently. This made it difficult for people to distinguish between real and fake messages.

Scale of the Operation

According to Google, the network was tied to over 9,000 fake websites and more than 1 million fraudulent URLs. In a two-week period in May, 2.5 million messages were sent to Android users from Outsider Enterprise infrastructure, with 55,000 of those messages being flagged as fraudulent.

The FBI estimates that the operation was responsible for an estimated 3.87 million stolen credit cards and $1.9 billion in losses.

Protecting Yourself

To avoid falling victim to such scams, it is essential to be cautious when receiving unexpected texts or emails. Treat links with suspicion, and instead of clicking on them, go directly to the company’s website or app. Be wary of messages that create a sense of urgency, as scammers often rely on panic to get people to act quickly.

Using strong antivirus software, a password manager, and two-factor authentication can also help protect against phishing scams. Regularly checking your accounts for suspicious activity and being mindful of the information you share online can further reduce the risk of becoming a victim.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.