FBI Investigating Extortion Scheme That Attacks Hospital Telephone Systems

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and National White Collar Crime Center are investigating ongoing attacks against the telephone systems of some hospitals and other public sector entities, states an April 5, 2013, AHA News Now article. These telephony denial-of-service attacks are part of an extortion scheme that usually begins with a phone call to an organization from an individual claiming to represent a collections company for payday loans. The caller, who by several accounts often has a strong accent, asks to speak with a current or former employee concerning an outstanding debt.