Got a Message from a Financial Hardship Department? It’s a Scam!

By Markus David

Director of Professional Services

MyChargeBack

The headlines often focus on crypto scams and broker frauds, but those aren’t the only types of schemes. Millions are stolen by fake emails and texts that may at first glance seem convincing but are actually sent by cybercriminals.

Fraudsters work around the clock to find new ways to seize money and data from people. Although crypto scams are still the fastest-growing type of fraud, people who are risk-averse and may not feel that they have the money for forex trading are out of the reach of broker and crypto scams. 

Email Phishing Scams Can Target Anyone

That’s why many scammers focus their attention on more conventional types of fraud, such as those using fake emails or phishing messages that convince people to surrender crucial data. 

By posing as a legitimate agency or financial service, these scammers can convince people to click a link that will install malware on their computer or often they can succeed in persuading people to actually give their social security numbers or pay phony fees. 

How the Financial Hardship Department Phishing Scam Works

Some of the most wicked frauds are designed to target the most vulnerable in society. This describes the Financial Hardship Department email fraud, which targets people who have applied for loans or who have debts. 

They could have gained access to this information by hacking or purchasing it, which is more than a little bit depressing – if someone is in financial need, that information should be private. 

The letter typically has something close to the following: 

message scam

For some reason, people who have reported this scam indicate the amount of money is almost always the same – around $37,000, and the phone number to call begins with 833. They begin with a phone call to create a false sense of security. Once victims talk to real people on the phone, they may begin to trust them. 

A follow-up email after the call may contain a link or something to download. Clicking on this link will infect a device with malware that can steal data from a computer. In some versions of this scam, they’ll phish customers’ information on the phone or they will convince them they have to pay some kind of fee for this grant. 

How Can You Avoid The Financial Hardship Department Phishing Scam?

If you receive an email from the so-called “Financial Hardship Department,” do the following:

  • Do not respond to the message, call the number or click on any links
  • Report the email as spam
  • Don’t let curiosity get the best of you – avoid all direct communication
  • Install the highest level cybersecurity software
  • Beware of follow-up messages and other schemes – if you received this message, it’s clear that scammers have your email and will try again

Can You Get a Chargeback from the Financial Hardship Department Scam?

If you’ve surrendered any funds to the Financial Hardship Department scam, don’t give up! You can seek a chargeback if you’ve used a credit card or other types of fund recovery if you work with MyChargeback experts. 

We’ll consult with you and perform a full analysis of your case. After you provide us with documentation, we’ll outline a strategy for getting a chargeback or contacting the banks for a wire recall. If you’ve used cryptocurrency, we can provide you with a crypto report that can improve your chances of crypto recovery. 

MyChargeBack Will Get You Started with Fund Recovery

If you have lost money to the Financial Hardship scheme, seek fund recovery assistance right away. Consult with MyChargeBack experts and get started with your fund recovery claim. We have extensive knowledge and working relationships with regulators and more than 450 law enforcement agencies around the world, as well as solutions that can improve your prospects of getting your funds back.