Remote Access Scams

Remote Access Frauds are on the rise nationally with a variety of methods being reported.

Usually, the victim is contacted by telephone and the caller might claim they’ve spotted a problem with the victim’s computer and offer to take remote control of the device to fix it.

They may even say they’re calling from the victim’s bank and need to help with a problem with their account.

• They will then convince the victim to install a piece of software that enables them to have remote access to their computer.
• During the call, the victim will be instructed to login to their online banking. Remote access software is used to blur the victim’s screen whilst the scammer makes fraudulent transactions from the victim’s account.
• The victim may be asked to read out a series of numbers the scammer claims they have sent to the victim’s mobile. In reality, these numbers will be one[1]time verification codes from the victim’s bank which will allow the fraudster to bypass security controls to transfer money out of the victim’s bank account.

Some victims have reported slightly different versions of how the scam is perpetrated. However, the goal and general methodology of the fraudsters remains the same.

Protecting Yourself from Remote Access Scams:

• Never install any remote access software on your device as a result of an unsolicited telephone call, browser pop up, or text message.
• One-time verification codes sent to you by your bank to authorise transactions on your account should never be shared with anyone, not even bank employees.
• If you believe your laptop, PC, tablet or phone has been infected with a virus or some other type of malware, follow the National Cyber Security Centre’s guidance on recovering an infected device.
• Protect your money by contacting your bank immediately on a different device from the one the scammer contacted you on.
• Make sure your computer is protected with regularly updated anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a good firewall.

Other useful articles can be found in our Counter Fraud Newsletters on the Publications page