Signs of a remote access scam
| An unexpected call where the person claims they are from a reputable company: You are told they need to ‘fix’ a problem, confirm a payment or update a service. You are asked to download a program to your phone or computer. You are asked to share login or password details. | |
| Requests for access to your device: The caller is pushy, aggressive or trying to pressure you to act quickly. The person requests or takes control of your phone or computer. You have been asked not to tell anyone, including your bank. | |
| You are asked to transfer or deposit money to an account they have provided you: You are asked for personal account or credit card details. You are asked to buy unnecessary software or a service. |
What you can do to protect yourself
If you think you might be facing a remote access scam;
| Stop. Does something seem off? Be aware to the tell-tale signs of a remote access scam. You should never give an unsolicited caller access to any device or share your login details or passwords. | ||
| Check. Hang up and ask someone you trust to get their opinion, like close family and friends. Check with the company from publicly available information on their website. | ||
| Reject. Stop communicating with the scammer. Hang up or delete any programs immediately – even if they mention a well-known company. While you remain in contact with a scammer, you are likely to remain vulnerable. |