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FBI Sees Increase in Technical Support Scams in Alaska

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

The FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are reporting an increase in technical support scams in Alaska and anticipate a further increase in the months leading up to the holiday season.

Technical support fraud involves a criminal claiming to provide customer, security, or technical support to defraud individuals, and can disproportionately victimize our senior population.

In technical support scams, fraudsters will frequently target victims through pop-up warnings on their devices, or unsolicited phone calls that could appear to be from the same area code as the victim. The fraudsters impersonate employees of popular technology companies to mislead victims into thinking there are security problems with their computer or online accounts. They will then offer to resolve the issue, and in many cases, will attempt to gain access to the victim’s device by requesting the victim install remote access programs. Then, using high-pressure tactics, they persuade the victim to pay for the technical support services via prepaid cards, such as gift cards, or via money transfer applications or services.

Technical support scams were originally an attempt by criminals to gain access to devices to extort payment for fraudulent services, but more can happen once they are given access to the device including, but not limited to, access to computer files that may contain financial accounts, passwords, and personal data.

To combat this increasingly common form of elder fraud, the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office advise the public to build a digital defense by doing the following:

  • Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings, and door-to-door service offers.
  • Remember that legitimate tech companies will not make unsolicited phone calls, will not request remote access to your device through third party applications, will not ask for account passwords or for payment via gift cards or prepaid cards.
  • Ensure desktops, laptops, and mobile devices have anti-virus software installed and routine security updates are applied.
  • Disconnect from the Internet and shut down your device if you see a pop-up message or locked screen. Enable pop-up blockers to avoid accidentally clicking on a pop-up.
  • If you do need computer support, go to a company that you know and trust. You should make the initial contact, preferably in person or by phone, using publicly available contact information.
  • Never give or send any personally identifiable information, money, jewelry, gift cards, checks, or wire information to unverified people or businesses.
  • Resist the pressure to act quickly. Scammers create a sense of urgency to produce fear and lure victims into immediate action. Call the police immediately if you feel there is a danger to yourself or a loved one.

If you believe you are a victim of fraud, or know a senior who may be, regardless of financial loss, report the incident to the FBI Anchorage Field Office at 907-276-4441, online at tips.fbi.gov, or through the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

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Statement by Anchorage Special Agent in Charge Robert Britt Regarding Charges Against White Supremacist Gang

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

Special Agent in Charge Robert Britt, FBI Anchorage, made the following statement concerning additional charges that have been brought against members and associates of a white supremacist gang known as the 1488s. The 1488s have been charged as a criminal organization that was involved in narcotics distribution, arson, obstruction of justice, and acts of violence including murder, assault, and kidnapping.

“Violent, race-motivated gangs don’t belong in Alaska’s communities, and those who engage in such violence will be aggressively pursued and held accountable. Today’s additional charges exemplify the FBI’s commitment in using a task force approach to disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations wherever they may surface.”

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FBI Arrests California Man on Drug Trafficking Charges

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

Thirteen Pounds of Methamphetamine, Two Pounds of Cocaine Seized in Alaska

ANCHORAGE, AK—On October 7, 2020, the FBI Anchorage Field Office Safe Streets Task Force (SSTF), arrested Margus Gipson, a/k/a “Melly Mel,” 35, of Compton, California, pursuant to a federal arrest warrant issued in a FBI Los Angeles’ investigation known as “Operation Klondike.”

As part of this operation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California announced the charges of several individuals, including Gipson, who allegedly participated in a Southern California-based outfit that trafficked large quantities of drugs to Alaska for further distribution.

After attempting to elude law enforcement, Gipson was taken into custody at 15th and Cordova in Anchorage. A search warrant served at an Anchorage residence used by Gipson resulted in the seizure of approximately 13 pounds of methamphetamine, two pounds of cocaine, one pound of marijuana, and two firearms—a MAC-9 and a stolen Glock pistol. Approximately $7,500 in cash was also seized at the time of Gipson’s arrest.

The national FBI SSTF Initiative began in January 1992 and was designed to enable each field office to address violent street gangs and drug-related violence through the establishment of FBI sponsored, long-term, proactive task forces focusing on violent gangs, crimes of violence, and the apprehension of violent fugitives.

This investigation was conducted in support of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, with assistance from the Anchorage Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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FBI Anchorage Issues Public Guidance on 2020 Election Security

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

Today, the FBI’s Anchorage Field Office is providing public guidance on election crimes and security ahead of the November 3, 2020 general election. States have primary responsibility for conducting free and fair elections, and the FBI stands ready to investigate federal election crimes.

Nationwide, the FBI has initiated public awareness messaging about election security at fbi.gov/elections and across its social media platforms. The FBI’s goal is to increase public awareness and to inform Americans how they can help the FBI ensure a safe and secure election.

For decades, the FBI has served as the primary law enforcement agency investigating federal election crimes. This includes investigating allegations of voter and ballot fraud, campaign finance crimes, civil rights violations, unique cyber threats targeting the election process, and threats posed by foreign governments and actors.

“Every American citizen should have the right to vote in a fair and honest election, and without interference or discrimination,” said Robert Britt, special agent in charge of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Violating federal election laws in Alaska will not be tolerated, and the FBI is committed to supporting our election security counterparts and protecting Alaskans’ constitutional rights throughout the election season.”

In efforts to mitigate federal election crimes, all 56 field offices have an election crimes coordinator assigned to identify and assess potential threats and to protect the public’s constitutional right to vote.

If you have information about allegations of federal election crimes, voter fraud, or suppression, please call the FBI Anchorage Field Office at 907-276-4441 or send an e-mail to tips.fbi.gov. For more information on what constitutes a federal election crime, visit fbi.gov/elections.

For the most up to date election security information and education resources about how Alaskans can protect their voice this election season, follow FBI Anchorage on Twitter at @FBIAnchorage and @FBI.

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Federal Agencies Warn of Emerging Fraud Schemes Related to COVID-19 Vaccines

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are warning the public about several emerging fraud schemes related to COVID-19 vaccines.

The FBI, HHS-OIG, and CMS have received complaints of scammers using the public’s interest in COVID-19 vaccines to obtain personally identifiable information (PII) and money through various schemes. We continue to work diligently with law enforcement partners and the private sector to identify cyber threats and fraud in all forms.

The public should be aware of the following potential indicators of fraudulent activity:

  • Advertisements or offers for early access to a vaccine upon payment of a deposit or fee
  • Requests asking you to pay out of pocket to obtain the vaccine or to put your name on a COVID-19 vaccine waiting list
  • Offers to undergo additional medical testing or procedures when obtaining a vaccine
  • Marketers offering to sell and/or ship doses of a vaccine, domestically or internationally, in exchange for payment of a deposit or fee
  • Unsolicited emails, telephone calls, or personal contact from someone claiming to be from a medical office, insurance company, or COVID-19 vaccine center requesting personal and/or medical information to determine recipients’ eligibility to participate in clinical vaccine trials or obtain the vaccine
  • Claims of FDA approval for a vaccine that cannot be verified
  • Advertisements for vaccines through social media platforms, email, telephone calls, online, or from unsolicited/unknown sources
  • Individuals contacting you in person, by phone, or by email to tell you the government or government officials require you to receive a COVID-19 vaccine

Tips to avoid COVID-19 vaccine-related fraud:

  • Consult your state’s health department website for up-to-date information about authorized vaccine distribution channels and only obtaining a vaccine through such channels.
  • Check the FDA’s website (fda.gov) for current information about vaccine emergency use authorizations.
  • Consult your primary care physician before undergoing any vaccination.
  • Don’t share your personal or health information with anyone other than known and trusted medical professionals.
  • Check your medical bills and insurance explanation of benefits (EOBs) for any suspicious claims and promptly reporting any errors to your health insurance provider.
  • Follow guidance and recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other trusted medical professionals.

General online/cyber fraud prevention techniques:

  • Verify the spelling of web addresses, websites, and email addresses that look trustworthy but may be imitations of legitimate websites.
  • Ensure operating systems and applications are updated to the most current versions.
  • Update anti-malware and anti-virus software and conduct regular network scans.
  • Do not enable macros on documents downloaded from an email unless necessary and after ensuring the file is not malicious.
  • Do not communicate with or open emails, attachments, or links from unknown individuals.
  • Never provide personal information of any sort via email; be aware that many emails requesting your personal information may appear to be legitimate.
  • Use strong two-factor authentication if possible, using biometrics, hardware tokens, or authentication apps.
  • Disable or remove unneeded software applications.

If you believe you have been the victim of a COVID-19 fraud, immediately report it to the FBI (ic3.gov, tips.fbi.gov, or 1-800-CALL-FBI) or HHS OIG (tips.hhs.gov or 1-800-HHS-TIPS).

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For accurate and up-to-date information about COVID-19, visit: