Georgian Charged for Running Phishing Scam Targeting NBA, NFL Players, While in Federal Custody

Federal prosecutors have indicted Kwamaine Jerell Ford for allegedly operating a phishing campaign that impersonated an adult film star and Apple customer support to trick NBA and NFL athletes into revealing Apple account credentials and multi-factor authentication codes, enabling theft of stored payment information and unauthorized transactions; authorities also allege the scheme escalated into coercion and sex trafficking. Ford pleaded not guilty and remains in custody while the FBI and U.S. Attorney's Office pursue the case.