Criminal gangs are stealing and laundering billions through sham bank accounts, using 100s of 1000s of fake and real identities – possibly including yours. @kurteichenwald led a 4-month investigation that revealed: (🧵)
https://theconversation.com/us/investigations/mailbox-robberies-drop-accounts-checkwashing-fraud-gangs-of-fullz #news #fraud #fullz #CyberCrime
Heists worth billions: sham bank accounts, secret online marketplaces and too little being done to stop it - The Conversation

An investigation into online marketplaces reveals the simplicity of stealing from almost anyone; and just how little is done to combat the fraud.

Our investigation revealed an enormous growth in these forms of fraud, with the fraudsters becoming increasingly sophisticated and law enforcement failing to meet the challenge.

Researchers from the Evidence-Based #Cybersecurity Research Group at Georgia State University penetrated the secret online channels used by the criminals and put them under surveillance for months.

The investigation follows the cycle of crime, which starts with the theft of arrow keys from mail carriers. Each key unlocks hundreds of mailboxes, which can then be pilfered.

An essential link in the chain: sham accounts opened at big banks, which have found it extremely profitable to make it easy to open accounts without looking too hard at the identities of their customers.
Heists worth billions: sham bank accounts, secret online marketplaces and too little being done to stop it - The Conversation

An investigation into online marketplaces reveals the simplicity of stealing from almost anyone; and just how little is done to combat the fraud.

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@TheConversationUS @kurteichenwald cheques need to die. Free e-transfers need to be standard in all normal personal bank accounts.