WASHINGTON, D.C. — The FBI has issued a warning about “The Com”, or “The Community”, a growing and sophisticated group of cybercriminals primarily aged 11 to 25. The group, which is made up of English-speaking international residents, is involved in a range of illegal activities, including swatting, cyber theft, exploitation of children, and real-life violence.
According to the FBI’s Internet Criminal Complaint Center, the group’s criminal activity has grown in sophistication over the last four years, using complex methods to hide their identities and launder money. The Com is divided into several subgroups:
- Hacker Com: This subgroup sells technical services for profit and steals cryptocurrency to fund other illegal activities. They are involved in cyber-attacks, phishing, ransomware, malware, and the sale of government email accounts. Internal rivalries can sometimes lead to conflict and physical violence.
- Extortion Com: This branch uses its cyber skills to exploit minors, particularly girls, through threats of doxing, swatting, and real-life violence.
- In Real Life Com: This dangerous group carries out acts of violence that often stem from online conflicts.
Swatting and Safety Tips
A primary activity of The Com is “swatting,” or falsely reporting an emergency to draw a police response, often including a SWAT team. Some subgroups offer “swat-for-hire” services, which are usually paid for in cryptocurrency. The FBI notes that swatting is sometimes used as a diversion tactic during cryptocurrency thefts or corporate intrusions.
If you believe cybercriminals have targeted you, the FBI recommends the following steps:
- Contact account providers immediately to regain control of accounts and change passwords.
- Place alerts on accounts to notify you of any suspicious activity.
- Be cautious about posting personal information online and using privacy settings on social media.
- Monitor children’s online activity and discuss the risks of posting content.
- Do not give money or personal information to individuals you don’t know online.
