$𝟖𝟓𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 Recovered after cybercrime

The Yavapai County Board of Supervisors and Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes announce the successful interception and recovery of approximately $850,000 following a sophisticated cyberattack targeting County funds.

The investigation began after cybercriminals successfully infiltrated the email system of a trusted third-party vendor currently contracted with the County. Posing as the vendor, the attackers were able to redirect a scheduled payment via direct deposit into a fraudulent bank account.

Upon discovery of the unauthorized transaction, the County immediately launched a cybersecurity investigation and notified the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) for a criminal investigation and to recover the stolen money.

YCSO investigators, with the financial institutions, tracked the stolen funds to a newly established account. The receiving bank, flagging the transaction as suspicious, froze the assets and required the account holders to verify the source of the funds.

When the criminals were unable to provide legitimate documentation, YCSO detectives successfully seized the account. Virtually 100% of the stolen money has been recovered and returned to the County treasury.

"The exceptional work of our detectives cannot be overstated," said Sheriff David Rhodes. "Cybercriminals rely on speed and anonymity, so moving faster was key. This recovery is a testament to the diligence of our investigators and the importance of our partnerships with financial institutions."

YCSO continues to pursue all remaining avenues to make sure every cent is accounted for and identify those responsible.

In response to the incident, Yavapai County is currently:

Conducting internal and third-party forensic evaluations of all digital systems.

Implementing enhanced verification protocols for all financial transfers.

Strengthening "dual-authentication" requirements for vendor communication.

These types of cyber-fraud crimes are increasingly common, perpetrated by sophisticated networks that pose a direct threat to economic security. YCSO wants all local businesses and residents to remain vigilant by:

Always confirm wire transfer or direct deposit changes via a known phone number, not through email.

Utilize multi-factor authentication on all professional and personal email accounts.

If you suspect a fraudulent transfer, contact law enforcement immediately. Time is the most critical factor in fund recovery.