SIM Swap Fraud Scheme
A man accused of participating in a conspiracy to defraud cryptocurrency owners has been sentenced to 36 months in prison and ordered to pay $2,816,433 in restitution. The scheme involved tricking mobile phone operators to gain control of victims’ cellphone numbers and then hacking and stealing their digital assets.
- Man sentenced to 36 months in prison for SIM swap fraud scheme
- Ordered to pay $2,816,433 in restitution to 11 victims
- Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and interstate communications with intent to extort
- Extortion count dismissed by U.S. District Judge
- Assets worth approximately $20 million forfeited
In the plea agreement, Faulk admitted to the plan executed between October 2016 and May 2018. After draining the funds, Faulk and his colleagues allegedly extorted more money from victims by threatening to compromise their accounts further. The court also ordered the seizure of assets derived from Faulk’s crime, including a home, bank accounts, and vehicles.
Hot Take:
This case highlights the severity of SIM swap fraud schemes and the consequences for those involved. It serves as a warning to cryptocurrency owners to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect their digital assets. The significant amount of assets forfeited shows the potential financial impact of these crimes. The prosecution and sentencing of individuals involved in such schemes are essential to deter future fraudulent activities in the crypto space.
By
By
By
