The FBI's IC3 division has reported a troubling surge in tech support scams, with a particular focus on exploiting older adults and manipulating them into sending cash through shipping services. This peculiar yet effective con involves scammers instructing victims to conceal cash within magazines and dispatch it through shipping companies. The scam typically begins with scammers initiating contact through various means like phone calls, texts, emails, or pop-up windows, masquerading as legitimate tech support representatives. They inform victims of alleged fraudulent activities or promise refunds for subscription services.

Subsequent communications from the scammers contain a phone number for the victim to call for assistance. Once the victim dials the provided number, the scammer convinces them of an impending refund but insists that the money can only be transferred after gaining access to the victim's computer and bank account. The scammers then manipulate the victim into downloading software that grants remote access. Once connected, the victim is persuaded to log into their bank account. At this stage, the scammer claims to have inadvertently transferred a larger sum than intended and pressures the victim to return the excess amount to prevent the scammer from losing their job.

The final step in this elaborate scheme involves instructing the victim to send the money in cash, concealed within magazines or similar disguises, to a specified name and address via a shipping company. In recent cases, scammers have directed victims to ship packages containing money to pharmacies and retail businesses equipped to accept shipments from courier services, further complicating the fraud.