Scammer Payback Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Discussion about infecting scammers with a virus to retaliate against their fraudulent activities.
• Mention of lost money linked to scams (e.g., 10,000, 30,000, 4 million Indian rupees).

Overview of the Scammers' Activities

• Scammers operating call centers, previously highlighted in the class.
• Reference to Ryan Montgomery, an ethical hacker, who assisted in contacting scammers during a live stream.

Live Interaction with Scammers

• Role-playing a customer trying to cancel a Norton LifeLock subscription.
• Use of a voice changer to disguise identity.
• Process of tricking scammers into revealing their information through AnyDesk.
• Successfully pinpointed scammers’ location based on computer connection.

Scamming Techniques

• Scammers utilize various platforms like RingCentral, Zoom, and remote access tools (e.g., UltraViewer) to operate.
• Common scam scenario: Pop-up ads claiming to be from tech support (e.g., Microsoft).
• Scammers convince victims to withdraw money under false pretenses to protect their accounts.

Data Collection and Analysis

• Captured data from scammers’ computers leads to insights about their operations.
• Example: Analyzing a system named "Robin" connected to other scammers’ computers.

Law Enforcement Collaboration

• Sharing information about scams and locations with law enforcement to tackle crime.
• Prevention of scams in progress by intercepting transactions.

NordVPN Collaboration

• Highlighted the importance of using a VPN for protection while dealing with scammers.
• Features of NordVPN: encryption, IP address masking, and cross-platform support.

Confrontation with Scammers

• Plan to confront a scammer named Megan Miller after gathering evidence.
• Sending a picture of her apartment complex to instigate a reaction.
• Outcome: Scammers panicked and disconnected.

Conclusion

• Emphasized the necessity of bringing awareness about scams and proper techniques to fight against them.
• Encouraged vigilance among potential victims to avoid falling prey to scams.
• Reminder to report scams to relevant authorities to aid in investigations.