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Please forgive the repetitive theme of this week’s column.

It was just a few weeks ago that I used this space to enlighten you about the high number of scam calls I receive daily. The one I talked about the most was a ploy used by scammers to entice you to answer yes to a simple question. They secretly record that yes answer and use it against you as proof that you agreed to something.

Last week I received a 12-page report from the Better Business Bureau that addressed how scammers are using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Dark Web for the purposes of identity theft.

I am dedicating this space today to share with my readers the highlights of the BBB report. My hope is that you’ll read this and use it to protect your personal information.

The report says incidents of high-level identity thefts involved users realizing some of their most sensitive information was compromised, often only after fraudsters began to use it for their own benefit.

Scammers put this stolen information to use in multiple ways. Sometimes, they sell it for profit online through dozens of Dark Web sites, bundling thousands of stolen identities onto spreadsheets and listing prices like any item for sale online. Other times, consumers are unwittingly roped into scams, with fraudsters taking their name, address, phone numbers and Social Security numbers to open bank accounts, websites and even rent apartments.

As the scammers use the public’s information for their ill-gotten gains, wearing their identity like a disguise, scam survivors recall the unsettling effects it has on their lives and livelihoods, creating deep distrust and psychological strain.

“Once identity thieves have your personal information, they can drain your bank account, run up charges on your credit cards, open new utility accounts, or get medical treatment on your health insurance,” according to the Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft hub. “In some extreme cases, a thief might even give your name to the police during an arrest.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (FBI IC3) reported consumers losing over $125 million in 2023, the most recent data compiled by the agency.

Nearly every scam contains an aspect of identity theft. Whether it is a stolen password from a brokerage account in an investing scam, a picture of a driver’s license in an employment scam or a hacked social media profile in a phishing scam, fraudsters aren’t only seeking cash payments, they want data as well.

It may seem as if each individual piece of information is small or insignificant, but the effect on an individual can be massive. And in the aggregate, scammers profit.

Data from the FTC reveals some of the data sources targeted by fraudsters. Stolen information related to bank accounts or credit cards can be costly, while government benefits, a vital resource for many in the United States, could be interrupted in the worst-case scenarios.

But there are also many sub-categories found within BBB Scam Tracker data which reveal areas of risk. Consumers reported stolen social media accounts, hacked dating profiles and high-jacked Facebook groups used to post spam.

In one case, a scammer with their hands on a nursing license number wreaked havoc. That person received a call from someone claiming to be from the FBI in Texas. She told BBB the alleged agent accused her of laundering $3 million. The man on the phone threatened her livelihood as well, saying her nursing license (for which he had the number) would be suspended if she didn’t cooperate. She was directed to share her Social Security number, driver’s license, a picture of her car, a picture of herself and her date of birth. Feeling like she had no choice, she handed over the information.

After that, the man directed her to her bank and told her to wire $10,000 to an account in Hong Kong. Fortunately, the bank teller recognized it as a scam and stopped the victim from losing her money.

While it is hard to track down the origin of many scams because so many of them are done by overseas scammers, not all of them are perpetuated by people outside of the country. A man told BBB he applied for a home loan, only to be rejected. It didn’t make sense, as he had kept his accounts in good standing. He was shocked when he pulled his credit report. Someone used his Social Security number to rent an apartment and owed nearly $10,000 in missed rent. The victim’s credit was ruined.

Scammers unite on surface web, deep web and Dark Web forums to trade information, sell it and give tips on how to continue their ploys. BBB examined more than a dozen active websites to understand how they work, what types of information is being spread and how much scammers can fetch for stolen information.

On a recent post, one fraudster posted a so-called “menu” of information they were offering, with prices attached for the batches of data. On another website, one user claimed to specialize in bank account fraud.

BBB also found several websites devoted to techniques, best practices and lists of stolen information related to “carding,” – which is any scam where fraudsters steal credit card or debit card information. Tips ranged from how to create secure VPNs, using cryptocurrency to avoid detection when moving money, and ways to take advantage of holes in the defenses of common web browsers.

BBB offered tips on the best ways to ensure your personal info has not been hacked. They include watching your credit reports regularly for unknown accounts. Use multi-factor authentication whenever possible. Choose strong and varying passwords across accounts. Secure your wi-fi. Think about using a VPN (virtual private network)

If you believe your information is compromised, act fast as scammers may still be actively using your information and dispute all charges. Contact every account holder you believe to be compromised. Cancel credit cards and/or lock or freeze your credit. File a police report and report to the BBB, FTC, and the FBI.

And it’s wise to inform your friends, family and even your employer so they know how to watch for impostors who may use your stolen info in an effect to hack others.

I hope this helps as no one wants to jump through all the hoops and cut all the red tape it takes to restore your good name.

Cal Bryant is the Editor of Roanoke-Chowan Publications. Contact him at cal.bryant@r-cnews.com or 252-332-7207.