Support Tech Teacher Help keep our digital safety guides free for seniors and non technical learners. Click to hide this message

Tech Teacher is a small nonprofit. We do not run ads or sell data. Your donation helps us:

  • Offer free cybersecurity guides for seniors
  • Run workshops for underserved communities
  • Explain technology in simple, clear language
Donate with PayPal Even 3 to 5 dollars helps us reach more people.

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

Author/Source: Fortra Blog See the full link here

Takeaway

This article explains how a type of online crime called account takeover fraud is increasing. You will learn how criminals steal your online login information to access your accounts and what steps you can take to protect yourself.


Technical Subject Understandability

Beginner


Analogy/Comparison

Getting your online account taken over is like someone stealing your house keys and then using them to get into your house to take things or change the locks.


Why It Matters

This type of fraud is important because it can lead to people losing money, having their personal information stolen, or their credit ruined. For example, criminals can transfer money out of bank accounts, make unauthorized purchases, or lock users out of their own accounts.


Related Terms

Account Takeover (ATO), Business Email Compromise (BEC), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Phishing, Credential stuffing, Dark web, Social engineering, Vishing, Smishing. Jargon Conversion: Account Takeover (ATO) is when someone else gets into your online account using your stolen login details. Business Email Compromise (BEC) is when a scammer pretends to be someone important, like your boss, to trick you into sending money or information. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is adding an extra step to prove it is you, like a code from your phone, after typing your password. Phishing is when scammers send fake emails or messages to trick you into giving them your personal information. Credential stuffing is trying many stolen username and password combinations to break into different online accounts. Dark web is a hidden part of the internet often used for illegal things, where stolen data might be sold. Social engineering is tricking people into doing something or giving up information. Vishing is phone calls from scammers trying to trick you into giving them information or money. Smishing is text messages from scammers trying to trick you into giving them information or money.

Leave a comment