Massive Hacking Scam: Chinese Hackers Pocketed $1 Billion in the US

US officials are warning about an organized wave of SMS scams where victims are tricked into entering their bank card details on fake payment pages. According to the US Department of Homeland Security, Chinese networks responsible for the scams have made over $1 billion in the last three years.

The scammers send mass SMS messages about overdue toll payments, debts to the post office, or fines for traffic violations. The messages link to fake websites that request bank card details and a one-time code.

Criminals use software from Telegram to create phishing websites and view victims' keystrokes in real-time. They then use the information for purchases such as iPhones, gift cards, clothing, and cosmetics, which are shipped to China for resale.

Gangs use 'SIM farms' to send mass messages. Accomplices in the US are recruited via WeChat to make purchases with stolen cards, receiving a small fee.

At least 38 'SIM farms' operate in the US, and a Chinese national has pleaded guilty to fraud and identity theft.