12punto's 'data fraud' report brought to the agenda of the Turkish Parliament
Scammers have begun sharing illegal software used to infiltrate phones and advertising them on social media. It has been alleged that through the 'business accounts' reached by 12punto, individuals' private information can be accessed in exchange for money via spyware. The issue was brought to the Parliament by TBMM Administrative Officer and CHP Artvin Deputy Uğur Bayraktutan.
12punto
Beste Çelik - 12punto.com.tr
Scammers, who claim they can take control of phones without the users even knowing through spyware applications, have now started conducting their operations by placing advertisements. The scammers' address is Instagram. It is stated that they can access personal accounts such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram, and Instagram, as well as photos and even locations of the people they target without them noticing, and that they can perform ambient listening and monitor front and rear cameras.
The 'business accounts' reached by 12punto's Beste Çelik explained how they carry out these operations step by step as follows:
"Our operations take an average of one to one and a half hours. Absolutely no message or notification is sent to the phone. The other party definitely cannot understand. The internet must be on for phone access. We make a call to the other party via computer; the call needs to remain open for an average of 15 seconds. We already keep the other party occupied by asking for their name, etc. Only a call is made, and our own software program is automatically activated."
The scammers, who hold accounts under the guise of detective and software companies, divide their operations into monthly packages and demand different amounts of money. Some accounts demand 8,750 TL for a 12-month package, while others demand 3,000 TL.
OUR REPORT BROUGHT TO PARLIAMENT
TBMM Administrative Officer and CHP Artvin Deputy Uğur Bayraktutan brought our report, in which we revealed that scammers have begun sharing illegal software used to infiltrate phones and advertising them on social media, to the agenda of the Turkish Parliament.
In the written parliamentary question he submitted, CHP's Bayraktutan used the following expressions:
"The report featured on the news site 12punto.com.tr includes very serious allegations regarding the theft of personal data. There have been various agendas on this subject before, but with the correspondence and details included in this report, it has once again emerged that the necessary precautions have not been taken. The responsibility of those who do not take the necessary administrative, legal, and technical measures against the theft, seizure, or sale of this data is clear. It is necessary to urgently take the required measures to secure personal data, identify the vulnerabilities that cause data leaks, investigate those responsible for the issue in all aspects, and initiate the necessary proceedings against them."