Hackers have ruined my life

Patkat56
Patkat56 Posts: 2 New Member

I bought a new phone and that's when it started happening. At least that's what I thought. Slowly I think it was happening before then but full on after the new phone maybe the SIM card was cloned by the guy I bought it from at the store who keep giving me discounts on the phone that I wasn't supposed to get because it was a Motorola Stylo but it was supposed to be the 2022 version 5G he sold me the 4G version which the hacker has. I believe one of the hackers because they're several according to the bank there was five of them online when I was online and they had to boot us all off. It started slowly with my emails changing of the passwords.. then it got worse and now they've cloned my apps and they placed an app called steady linked in my bank account where my direct deposit goes and it's too late to cancel it. I hope they don't take my check. They've changed all my passcodes and they remote control my phone and my other phones too. They changed the passcode on my iPhone and I can't get in. I don't know what to do because I've lost everything contacts, emails, apps,pictures, files etc they've completely emptied my phones through the Google drive. I can't talk to anyone because I can't get a hold of anyone. I'm alone my roommates moving out next week and I can't get a hold of anyone to find a place to move to because he's locked me out of my apps. I can't search for a place. He's locked me out of social media. I know he's watching me through the phone he has sent me messages saying let's have some fun. I know he's listening he put a toolbar across the screen with speakers there's special speakers on this phone. I feel like I'm being watched at all times maybe I'm just getting paranoid. He seems to have control over everything I do in this phone and all my phones. Even the straight up Wi-Fi phones. He doesn't need Wi-Fi. I've done factory resets on all my phones several times but he can set the phones up on his own. I don't know if he could be close by or far away. I had identity theft in 2019 and 20 but they only had control of my apps and I tried to shut off the apps and the whole Google system like Google drive and Google search and Google photos but that didn't work. I don't know who could be this intelligent but they are. They spend all their time online. I tried to outsmart them and try a different email dome. I tried several. They linked themselves to mine and sent them to Microsoft cloud where all my information is and put a PIN code. I know this because I joined Microsoft for email and it showed me. I'm not sure what to do because if I get a new phone they're going to follow me into the phone because I had an old phone that I haven't used it was new and I had it stacked away. I booted it up and put in brand new emails and he found me like fast. I put in someone else's name like Patsy Cline so how did he find me and how will I ever get away or ever have devices again? I called the feds and I called the cops they're useless. They're going to let him do money laundering in my bank account. I don't get it what's up with this world?!

Comments

  • Patkat56
    Patkat56 Posts: 2 New Member

    I bought a new phone and that's when it started happening. At least that's what I thought. Slowly I think it was happening before then but full on after the new phone maybe the SIM card was cloned by the guy I bought it from at the store who keep giving me discounts on the phone that I wasn't supposed to get because it was a Motorola Stylo but it was supposed to be the 2022 version 5G he sold me the 4G version which the hacker has. I believe one of the hackers because they're several according to the bank there was five of them online when I was online and they had to boot us all off. It started slowly with my emails changing of the passwords.. then it got worse and now they've cloned my apps and they placed an app called steady linked in my bank account where my direct deposit goes and it's too late to cancel it. I hope they don't take my check. They've changed all my passcodes and they remote control my phone and my other phones too. They changed the passcode on my iPhone and I can't get in. I don't know what to do because I've lost everything contacts, emails, apps,pictures, files etc they've completely emptied my phones through the Google drive. I can't talk to anyone because I can't get a hold of anyone. I'm alone my roommates moving out next week and I can't get a hold of anyone to find a place to move to because he's locked me out of my apps. I can't search for a place. He's locked me out of social media. I know he's watching me through the phone he has sent me messages saying let's have some fun. I know he's listening he put a toolbar across the screen with speakers there's special speakers on this phone. I feel like I'm being watched at all times maybe I'm just getting paranoid. He seems to have control over everything I do in this phone and all my phones. Even the straight up Wi-Fi phones. He doesn't need Wi-Fi. I've done factory resets on all my phones several times but he can set the phones up on his own. I don't know if he could be close by or far away. I had identity theft in 2019 and 20 but they only had control of my apps and I tried to shut off the apps and the whole Google system like Google drive and Google search and Google photos but that didn't work. I don't know who could be this intelligent but they are. They spend all their time online. I tried to outsmart them and try a different email dome. I tried several. They linked themselves to mine and sent them to Microsoft cloud where all my information is and put a PIN code. I know this because I joined Microsoft for email and it showed me. I'm not sure what to do because if I get a new phone they're going to follow me into the phone because I had an old phone that I haven't used it was new and I had it stacked away. I booted it up and put in brand new emails and he found me like fast. I put in someone else's name like Patsy Cline so how did he find me and how will I ever get away or ever have devices again? I called the feds and I called the cops they're useless. They're going to let him do money laundering in my bank account. I don't get it what's up with this world?!

  • Ukko
    Ukko Posts: 3,556 Superuser

    @Patkat56, pretty sad story.

    You may not read all my thoughts. Since, in general, the main point is that you should still contact law enforcement organizations, related authorities, and in addition try to contact the technical support of each service that was affected by the problem (email provider, any other type of accounts). And to review all of your apps, routers, stuff like that.. and think why factory reset (hard reset) was not useful for your devices. But keep in mind that if there is some important data (files, pictures, photos, information) - make some kind of backup of these items. Store it on something like an external hard drive (offline).

    Despite the relatively detailed description (but at the same time a little confusing) - it's hard to give an opinion on what caused the (hacking?!) problem.

    And the motives are not clear from the description. So, a number of things are more like that someone with a strange sense of humor (maybe one of your acquaintances) amuses himself and his free time in this way. While maintaining fraud, scam and crime as an outgrowth (money stealing or something).

    Of course, it would be nice to deal with "what, why, who, how and because of what" - but, most likely, you still need to communicate with 'banks' and other things first of all - in order to prevent more impact. Sure, institutions such as a bank should have instructions for such cases. Regardless of whether you have control over what is happening or not. They have (or should) be able to control the security of your accounts and money (per your request). At least, if the matter is not already about some very large fraud, where even "offline" paths are used.

    For the rest, it sounds like starting from some entry point - the problem has expanded. For example, having gained access to one account (or email) - step by step to everything that they reached (maybe using malware, remote control tools, or even additional tricks as you described with the replacement / alteration of the SIM card). However, I think it should have been very noticeable at some stage (to prevent then). And doesn't explain your mentions of troubles on all of your devices (even those that aren't connected to any of your accounts or anything like that).

    Therefore, the problem may also be with your network. Access point, router. Or other "physical" access to the device or network to which the devices are connected. So, if using a new device, it is better to keep it away from "problem" devices and from the "problem" Internet access point. For a while.

    Or it is a matter of a particular application or website or another way that malware has entered your system (smartphone, computers), even if it is an unused device before. Something that makes all devices or your network activity - unique and vulnerable. Since it is not clear whether the problems described are a continuation, I mean - if there are signs that with each device - "they" know - that it is you.. and not just another victim of some scheme. Which they treat just like everyone else.

    Anyway,

    I called the feds and I called the cops they're useless. 

    Of course, it really depends on the location. But they should be useful. Try to use them further, explaining, demanding what you can demand. And/or try to contact other responsible authorities.

    At least you have some kind of evidence, and besides, security risks and the possibility of committing crimes against you. Including your 'privacy'.

    This can be protracted, but you need to somehow cooperate with them and with services (where you have accounts) and institutions for some kind of temporary freeze or block or return access to you with a further increase in the level of security (and eliminate the possibility of easy re-hacking). Unfortunately, these are all very special cases and each one needs to be considered specifically.

    It is possible that I didn’t understand something - but since you described the meaninglessness of a factory reset (hard reset?) for the device (=the problem returned), using an absolute "unrelated" device did not work (=the problem returned), it applies to any operating system (well, or at least iOS also affected), also their possibility of manipulating the system of the device (installing applications, changing the "screen" style, and the like) - possibly - some problems with the Internet access point. Or some other vulnerable device, outdated operating system, firmware. Unless some shared "account" (like Google, Microsoft, iCloud for iOS/Mac platform) is used - which connects the devices - then the other option is installation of "hacked" application, a malicious app, opening a malicious website or something. What re-open the door for them.

    Also, make sure your devices are running some kind of security solution. If not, try installing some of them. And check/scan devices. See if you find anything. By the way, if there is a real 'mean' hacking situation - they can a lot of more troubles already. And do not stop at the described methods of harassment. So perhaps their possibilities are still limited in some sense. Or you are missing something and maybe this whole situation is related to something else.

    If you occupy a very important position, then you can also take into account any things to which, due to habits, you can connect devices. For example, public chargers. And, in principle, even fake mobile base stations near you.

    There is also an article about (with some general overview of how an account takeover usually happens): How account takeover happens | F-Secure

    Thanks!

    FirmyHacked_individualAmirul
  • Hacked_individual
    Hacked_individual Posts: 2 Observer

    Wow that was a very good reply. I've been dealing with a similar situation with an old roommate that has gained control of my network after installing openWRT over my stick of iij firmware. This has been going on a month for me but the OP mentioned there were some signs on my phone before he actually made himself known. If I hadn't caught his 3 devices on my network after T-Mobile did a reset on my router( T-Mobile 5g home internet) It would have been longer before I noticed and also wouldn't be so sure who is doing the things that are happening on my phone. There seems to be no solution except taking a break from the internet and trashing all my devices. I've been through 4 phones and the all get hijacked. He seems to have put me in a contained virtual SD card that is isolated from internal storage so when I use a malware scanner it doesn't detect anything. Also he uses OEM and Google apps mainly Google play services and adds permissions to them to be able to achieve different tasks like turning on the camera and mic. Or reporting everything I do back to him. When I find an app that could possibly help me he turns it off somehow. Or just makes it appear to be working but it really isnt doing anything. He has done that to anything that uses Android VPN. Just like OP factory reset is useless and only seems to reset the apps I've downloaded. He has me going through his DNS that he has put on my network. As well as turned off adb so I can't utilize that method.

    Ukko
  • Hacked_individual
    Hacked_individual Posts: 2 Observer

    Wow that was a very good reply. I've been dealing with a similar situation with an old roommate that has gained control of my network after installing openWRT over my stick of iij firmware. This has been going on a month for me but the OP mentioned there were some signs on my phone before he actually made himself known. If I hadn't caught his 3 devices on my network after T-Mobile did a reset on my router( T-Mobile 5g home internet) It would have been longer before I noticed and also wouldn't be so sure who is doing the things that are happening on my phone. There seems to be no solution except taking a break from the internet and trashing all my devices. I've been through 4 phones and the all get hijacked. He seems to have put me in a contained virtual SD card that is isolated from internal storage so when I use a malware scanner it doesn't detect anything. Also he uses OEM and Google apps mainly Google play services and adds permissions to them to be able to achieve different tasks like turning on the camera and mic. Or reporting everything I do back to him. When I find an app that could possibly help me he turns it off somehow. Or just makes it appear to be working but it really isnt doing anything. He has done that to anything that uses Android VPN. Just like OP factory reset is useless and only seems to reset the apps I've downloaded. He has me going through his DNS that he has put on my network. As well as turned off adb so I can't utilize that method. As we speak he is trying hard to not let me post this comment

    Ukko