FRAUD ALERT: FBI Warns Citadel Malware Attempts to Extort Money
by Robin Slade
The FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has issued a warning regarding a new variant of the Citadel malware platform is being used to deliver ransomware, named Reveton. Potential victims are lured to a drive-by download website, where a malicious, ransomware program is automatically downloaded to your computer without your knowledge or consent. According to the IC3, “Once installed, the computer freezes and a screen is displayed warning the user they have violated United States federal law.” The message falsely states that the user’s IP address has been identified as visiting sites with illegal content, and will be locked until such time as the user pays a fine of $100 to the U.S. Department of Justice using a prepaid money card service. The IC3 also warns “in addition to the ransomware, the Citadel malware continues to operate on the compromised computer and can be used to commit online banking and credit card fraud.”
If you suspect that you have been a victim of this scam, FraudAvengers.org urges you to please contact your financial institution and to file a complaint with the IC3 as soon as possible.
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FPF2A President & CEO Robin Slade has spent the last decade as a leader in helping organizations develop fraud risk management best practices and tactical solutions. In addition to FraudAvengers.org, Robin is Senior Vice President and COO of The Santa Fe Group, and manages Shared Assessments, a member-driven organization for vendor risk management best practices.
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