Tag:

Cybercrime

Child Predator Accused Of Trading Robux For Porn, Feds Warn: ‘DO NOT RELEASE HIM' Child Predator Accused Of Trading Robux For Porn, Feds Warn: ‘DO NOT RELEASE HIM'
Child Predator Accused Of Trading Robux For Porn, Feds Warn: ‘DO NOT Release HIM' A disturbing child predator case in Virginia is now drawing national attention — with federal officials issuing a blunt warning: do not release Angel David Rubio Marin. The 20-year-old Manassas man is being held after allegedly offering young children money — including Roblox’s in-game currency “Robux” — in exchange for sexually explicit videos, according to investigators. Now, the US Department of Homeland Security says it has lodged an immigration detainer and is urging officials not to let him walk free. “VIRGINIA, DO NOT RELEASE THIS CRIMINAL,” DHS said in a public statement Tuesday. …
‘High School Catfish’: The Netflix True-Crime Twist Everyone’s Talking About ‘High School Catfish’: The Netflix True-Crime Twist Everyone’s Talking About
‘High School Catfish’: The Netflix True-Crime Twist Everyone’s Talking About What starts as a teen romance turns into a cyber nightmare in Netflix’s new true-crime documentary "Unknown Number: The High School Catfish" — and the final twist is jaw-dropping. Directed by Skye Borgman and released last week, the film explores the chilling real-life case of 13-year-old Lauryn Licari and her then-boyfriend, Owen, from Beal City, MI.  In October 2020 Lauryn and Owen began receiving bizarre texts from an unknown number. After a pause, the messages resumed in September 2021 — and this time, they didn’t stop. For the next 15 months, Lauryn was bombarded daily with …
Virginia ‘Reaper’ Who Made Teen Girl Carve His Name Into Her Leg Learns Prison Fate Virginia ‘Reaper’ Who Made Teen Girl Carve His Name Into Her Leg Learns Prison Fate
Virginia ‘Reaper’ Who Made Teen Girl Carve His Name Into Her Leg Learns Prison Fate A 26-year-old Virginia man who was the leader in an online group that cyber stalked and terrorized young girls online will spend years in federal prison, authorities announced. Evan Strauss, of Moneta, who goes by the monikers "Reaper" and Kobe Deonsons" was sentenced on Thursday, Aug. 1 to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to stalking and child pornography offenses last year. The charges stem from a toxic relationship he formed online with a 17-year-old girl from Wyoming, whom he harassed and controlled for months.  The minor—identified in court documents only as Minor A—was t…
Scam Targets Airlines As Hacking Group Expands Operations, FBI Warns Scam Targets Airlines As Hacking Group Expands Operations, FBI Warns
Scam Targets Airlines As Hacking Group Expands Operations, FBI Warns A cybercriminal group known for extorting people and companies across the world is now targeting the airline industry. The FBI has issued a warning about Scattered Spider, a hacking group that has  expanded its operations to include major US airlines and their vendors.  The group is known for using convincing impersonation tactics to access corporate networks, often bypassing multi-factor authentication by tricking IT staff into adding unauthorized devices. Scattered Spider impersonates employees or contractors to deceive help desks. "These techniques frequently involve methods …
Aflac May Have Exposed Social Security Numbers, Other Info Aflac May Have Exposed Social Security Numbers, Other Info
Aflac May Have Exposed Social Security Numbers, Other Info Aflac has confirmed a cybersecurity breach that may have compromised sensitive customer information. The company is the latest target in a string of attacks on major insurance providers. The company said the intrusion was first detected on Thursday, June 12, prompting an immediate internal response.  While systems remained operational and no ransomware was involved, investigators say the breach was part of a broader cybercrime campaign against the insurance industry. Aflac said the attacker used social engineering tactics to infiltrate its US network. A review of impacted files is sti…
Phony Texts Threaten Drivers With Suspensions: Here's What To Know Phony Texts Threaten Drivers With Suspensions: Here's What To Know
Phony Texts Threaten Drivers With Suspensions: Here's What To Know There’s a scam targeting drivers through text messages pretending to be from the DMV. Cybercriminals who once claimed victims owed unpaid tolls are now pivoting to a new phishing attack, according to authorities. If you’ve received a text message warning that your driver’s license is about to be suspended due to unpaid tickets, stop and think before you click. It might be a scam. The FBI and other law enforcement agencies are alerting the public about a new wave of phishing scams — specifically “smishing,” or fraudulent text messages — that claim to be from the Department of Motor Vehicles…
Many People Fear Cyberattacks But Don't Protect Themselves Properly, Survey Says Many People Fear Cyberattacks But Don't Protect Themselves Properly, Survey Says
Many People Fear Cyberattacks But Don't Protect Themselves Properly, Survey Says Most online users say they're worried about data breaches, but still skip basic ways to improve their cybersecurity, according to a new survey. The Acronis Data Privacy in 2025 Survey polled nearly 2,500 adults in the US and seven other countries, finding that many aren't doing enough to protect their personal data. The Swiss tech company found that while 64% of respondents listed data breaches as their top online privacy concern, only one-third back up their data daily or weekly. Fewer than half (46%) said they use security features like two-factor authentication. "Perhaps …
Detectives Seek Victims After Frederick Sex Offender Charged With Dozens Of Child Porn Offenses Detectives Seek Victims After Frederick Sex Offender Charged With Dozens Of Child Porn Offenses
Andrew Brock Facing 73 Child Porn Charges In Maryland A convicted sex offender in Maryland is back behind bars — this time after investigators say they found dozens of child porn files in his social media accounts. Andrew Brock, 25, of Middletown, was arrested on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, following an Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation launched by the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, officials announced Thursday morning. Brock, already a registered sex offender, is facing 73 total charges after investigators say they uncovered new evidence linking him to the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material. The i…
Hackers Infect 394K+ Computers, Microsoft Disrupts 'Most Popular Infostealer': What To Know Hackers Infect 394K+ Computers, Microsoft Disrupts 'Most Popular Infostealer': What To Know
Hackers Infect 394K+ Computers, Microsoft Disrupts 'Most Popular Infostealer': What To Know A global cybercrime tool used to steal passwords and drain bank accounts was shut down in a major takedown led by Microsoft and federal authorities. The tool called Lumma Stealer had infected more than 394,000 Windows computers worldwide between March and May, Microsoft said in a blog post on Wednesday, May 21. Hackers used the malware to target schools, hospitals, banks, and gaming communities, often holding victims for ransom or committing financial fraud. A federal court order allowed Microsoft's digital crimes unit to seize more than 2,300 web domains that powered the malware's ope…
Maryland Man Admits Sextorting 100+ Girls Worldwide—Some As Young As 5, Prosecutors Say Maryland Man Admits Sextorting 100+ Girls Worldwide—Some As Young As 5, Prosecutors Say
Maryland Man Admits Sextorting 100+ Girls Worldwide—Some As Young As 5, Prosecutors Say A "depraved and dangerous predator" in Maryland who preyed on more than 100 young girls across the globe is facing decades in prison, federal authorities announced on Wednesday.  Silver Spring resident Chase William Mulligan pleaded guilty to two counts of producing child sexual abuse material after targeting minors on social media and "sextorted them."  Specifically, through the scheme, prosecutors say that Mulligan coerced at least 108 girls — ranging from ages 5-17 — to send him sexually explicit photos and videos of themselves.  When the girls told him they no longe…
Online Scammers Using This Method To Steal Personal Info, FBI Says Online Scammers Using This Method To Steal Personal Info, FBI Says
Online Scammers Using This Method To Steal Personal Info, FBI Says The FBI has issued a warning about cybercriminals exploiting victims to distribute malware and steal personal information. ​ Fraudulent free online file converter tools offer services like converting or merging files—such as transforming a .doc file to a .pdf or combining multiple images into a single document. While they perform the advertised tasks, they may also install hidden malware on users' computers.  This malware can grant criminals access to sensitive data, including Social Security numbers, banking details, cryptocurrency information, email addresses, and passwords.  …
Brooklyn Man Charged In $400K Gold Bar Scam Targeting Elderly Maryland Couple, Police Say Brooklyn Man Charged In $400K Gold Bar Scam Targeting Elderly Maryland Couple, Police Say
Brooklyn Man Charged In $400K Gold Bar Scam Targeting Elderly Maryland Couple, Police Say A Brooklyn man is facing charges after allegedly scamming a 75-year-old Bethesda couple out of over $400,000 through a gold bar scheme, Montgomery County police announced. Yongxian Huang, 23, was arrested after posing as a federal agent and convincing the couple to convert their assets into gold bars for "safekeeping" with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, authorities said Friday, Nov. 22. The elaborate scam began in September 2024 when the victims received a fake text message claiming to be from Apple about unauthorized charges.  After contacting the number provided, the cou…
Alleged Russian Ransomware Mastermind Extradited From South Korea To Maryland Alleged Russian Ransomware Mastermind Extradited From South Korea To Maryland
Alleged Russian Ransomware Mastermind Extradited From South Korea To Maryland A Russian national accused of running a global ransomware operation that extorted more than $16 million from victims worldwide has been extradited from South Korea to Maryland to face federal charges, authorities announced. Evgenii Ptitsyn, 42, is charged with operating and administering the sale, distribution, and deployment of the notorious Phobos ransomware, which targeted over 1,000 public and private organizations globally, including schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure.  Ptitsyn made his first appearance in U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland earlier this …
FBI Investigators In Maryland Offer $10M Reward For Info On Russian Hacker Targeting Ukraine FBI Investigators In Maryland Offer $10M Reward For Info On Russian Hacker Targeting Ukraine
FBI Investigators In Maryland Offer $10M Reward For Info On Russian Hacker Targeting Ukraine A massive reward has been offered by federal authorities in Maryland as they attempt to track down a man wanted for cyberattacks targeting Ukraine.  On Wednesday, June 26, a $10 million reward was offered by the FBI, which is looking to arrest 22-year-old Amin Timovich Stigal, who is among the agency's most wanted.  According to the feds, Stigal is wanted for his alleged involvement in criminal cyber activities between August of 2021 and February of 2022, during which he conspired to commit computer intrusions targeting Ukrainian critical infrastructure. “Amin Timo…
Volunteer FD Bilked By Cyber Criminals Out Of $200K Earmarked For New Ambulances In Maryland Volunteer FD Bilked By Cyber Criminals Out Of $200K Earmarked For New Ambulances In Maryland
Volunteer FD Bilked By Cyber Criminals Out Of $200K Earmarked For New Ambulances In Maryland Cyber criminals got the best of a Maryland fire department that is out of more than $200,000 that had been earmarked to purchase two ambulances.  The Rockville Volunteer Fire Department issued an alert on Thursday advising that a group posing as a vendor the agency had been working with had been bilked in late April as they continue to recover the cash. According to the department, the Montgomery County Department of Police, US Secret Service, and FBI have all been notified, and their bank has been able to return approximately half of the stolen funds. County government is also involv…
Maryland Sex Offender Found With Beastiality Images Sentenced For Trying To Target Child: Feds Maryland Sex Offender Found With Beastiality Images Sentenced For Trying To Target Child: Feds
Maryland Sex Offender Found With Beastiality Images Sentenced For Trying To Target Child: Feds A predator from Maryland who already spent years behind bars for preying on minors through his computer is heading back to the Big House after being busted repeating the crime, federal officials announced on Wednesday. Samuel Charles Hardeman, 55, has been sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for the attempted coercion and enticement of a minor after being busted by an undercover police officer, who purported to have a 10-year-old daughter the convict was interested in. Prosecutors say that in December 2022, Hardeman engaged in illicit conversations with an undercover agent, during …
Feds Charge MD Man In $246,390 401(k) Theft From NJ Employee Feds Charge MD Man In $246,390 401(k) Theft From NJ Employee
Feds Charge MD Man In $246,390 401(k) Theft From NJ Employee A Maryland man conspired with others to steal $246,390 from a New Jersey worker’s 401(k), federal authorities charged. Oladapo Sunday Ogunbiyi, 40, of Greenbelt, and others secretly tapped into the fund, added a bank account belonging to someone else and began steering money into it, an indictment returned by a grand jury in U.S. District Court alleges. “Ogunbiyi and others directed that the fraud proceeds be converted into cashier’s checks, which were provided to Ogunbiyi,” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said. “He then deposited the cashier’s checks into bank accounts under his control…