Ep 7. The $5 Million Phone Hack

In True Life Crime Season 1 Episode 7, titled "The $5 Million Phone Hack," viewers are taken on a journey through the captivating story of a tech-savvy hacker who used his skills to deceive banks and steal millions of dollars.

The episode starts by introducing the audience to Joel Ortiz, a young man from Boston who was known for his extravagant lifestyle. Ortiz's Instagram feed was filled with pictures of luxury cars and designer clothes, which made many wonder how he could afford such items.

The true answer to this question lies in Ortiz's hacking abilities. Through a practice known as "SIM swapping," Ortiz was able to gain access to his victims' phones and, subsequently, their bank accounts.

The episode delves into the technical aspects of this process and explains how SIM swapping works. By calling a phone provider and posing as a customer, hackers like Ortiz can have the victim's phone number transferred to a SIM card in their possession. From there, they can access bank accounts and steal money without the victim even realizing that anything is amiss.

Using this method, Ortiz was able to steal over $5 million from unsuspecting bank customers. The episode reveals how, through interviews with both law enforcement officials and victims of Ortiz's crimes.

Viewers learn about one victim, Seth Shapiro, who had over $1 million stolen from his account by Ortiz. Shapiro recounts the moment he realized that he had been hacked, explaining that he received an alert on his phone telling him that his SIM card had been changed. When he contacted his bank, he found that all of his funds had been transferred out of his account.

Shapiro explains that recovering from such a breach is not only financially devastating but also emotionally draining. He describes how he was constantly anxious and worried about whether he would ever be able to get his money back.

The episode also features interviews with law enforcement officials who worked on the case. They explain that tracking down hackers like Ortiz can be a difficult and complex process. The professionals had to use a combination of traditional investigative techniques and technical expertise to find Ortiz - and even then, it was a struggle to bring him to justice.

The episode touches on a broader conversation about cybercrime and how it is becoming an increasingly common form of theft. The show notes the ever-increasing prevalence of SIM swapping and other similar techniques, which can be hard to protect against.

The episode will leave many viewers with a sense of unease and concern about their own vulnerability online. With hackers becoming more and more advanced, it is clear that there is a need for improved security measures and greater awareness of these types of crimes.

Overall, True Life Crime Season 1 Episode 7 is an eye-opening look at the world of hacking and cybercrime. Through the story of Joel Ortiz and his $5 million phone hack, viewers are given an in-depth view of the devastation that these types of crimes can cause. The episode invites deeper consideration of how online criminals operate and highlights the need for greater awareness and protection against the dangers of cybercrime.