39 Charged in Social Media Scam

39 people in New York City have been charged with stealing millions of dollars from unsuspecting victims on social media. 

 

Manhattan's District Attorney Cyrus Vance announced earlier today that those involved committed more than $2.5 million in fraud with a scheme called 'debit card cracking.' The defendants offered their victims a chance to make big money, but first they had to give out sensitive information like Social Security numbers and banking information. The defendants are accused of using social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat to lure their victims.

 

"What the defendants are selling is a fast money lifetyle. Genltemen in a hot tub, easy money. It's really a scheme that's designed to attract younger folks who are looking to make a quick buck," Vance said.

 

Vance said he defendants then allegedly used their victim's banking information to deposit money into over 650 accounts. They then withdrew over $1 million from them. Banks soon notified the people who had been stolen from. 

 

"From ringleaders and runners to recruiters and enforcers, the defendants in this case covered every aspect of their fraudulent business," Angel Melendez, Special Agent-in-Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New York, said.

 

DA Vance added that this shift from street crime to cyber crime continues to be a challenge for law enforcement.