Banks are reporting to us a huge rise in scams in which victims are approached by hackers with an excuse and then urged to download a programme onto their computer. These are so-called Remote Desktop Software that allows someone to take control of your computer remotely. Unfortunately, this useful software is also misused by scammers.
This type of scam is called the Remote Access Scam.
Scammers who have access to your computer through such a programme can do any actions there, and thus also try to plunder your online bank account.
How can you prevent this?
Never give a stranger access to your devices
Never download programs that allow someone to "look into" your device unless you trust that person (your family or your employer's IT department or supplier) and you are absolutely certain that it is that person and not someone posing as someone you know.
Never trust unsolicited online assistance for a problem you have not noticed yourself.
Always be on your guard if a stranger wants to help you unexpectedly and asks you to download programs and perform certain actions. Microsoft, Apple, the police, the government or your bank will never contact you unsolicited and ask you to install remote control software such as TeamViewer or Anydesk.
Are you a victim of this type of scam?
Learn more on Safeonweb: https://safeonweb.be/en/scammers-take-control-my-device-remotely-remote-access-scam
