Government Shuts Down Criminal Marketplace That Targeted Americans

The Justice Department announced Tuesday it has seized computer infrastructure used by cybercriminals to run scams and illegal marketplaces. The Treasury Department also took action against a Cambodian company called Huione Group and its affiliates, which were connected to these criminal operations. This action targets criminal networks that have been running various scams against Americans and people worldwide. If you or someone you know has been contacted through social media about investment opportunities, romance scams, or job offers that seemed too good to be true, especially from overseas sources, these may have been connected to operations using this infrastructure. If you think you may have been targeted, here's what to do right now. First, stop all communication with anyone who contacted you through suspicious investment or relationship schemes. Second, if you sent money, contact your bank immediately to report fraud. Third, file a report with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. Fourth, warn family members, especially older relatives who may be vulnerable to these scams.

To protect yourself going forward, remember that legitimate investment opportunities don't come from strangers on social media. Be suspicious of anyone who asks you to send money through cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers. Never send money to someone you've only met online, no matter how convincing their story. Talk to your family about these common scam tactics so everyone knows the warning signs.