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FBI Warns of Surge in Account Takeover (ATO) Fraud Schemes: What You Need to Know – December 2025

Author/Source: Fortra See the full link here

Takeaway

This article explains how criminals are stealing people’s online account information to access their money and personal data. You will learn about different ways these scams happen and important steps you can take to protect your accounts.

Technical Subject Understandability

Beginner

Analogy/Comparison

An account takeover is like a thief stealing your house key and then using it to get into your car, office, and even your safe, because you used the same key for everything.

Why It Matters

This type of fraud can lead to big financial losses, with criminals draining bank accounts, making fake purchases, or opening new credit lines in your name. For example, the FBI reported a victim who lost over $100,000 due to criminals taking over their online accounts.

Related Terms

Account Takeover (ATO), Credential Stuffing, Phishing, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), SIM Swapping, Remote Access Trojans (RATs). Jargon Conversion: Account Takeover (ATO) means when a criminal takes control of someone’s online account. Credential Stuffing is when criminals use stolen usernames and passwords from one website to try and log into many other websites. Phishing is a trick where criminals send fake emails or messages to get your personal information. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is an extra security step, like needing a code from your phone after typing your password. SIM Swapping is when criminals trick your phone company into giving them control of your phone number. Remote Access Trojans (RATs) are bad computer programs that let criminals control your computer from far away.

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