🗞️Australians Lost $15.5 Million to Remote Access Scams in 2023

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A warning that customers should never be fooled into downloading any software or programme over the phone has been issued in response to a dramatic rise in losses caused by remote access scams.In 2023, remote access scams gained popularity, defrauding Australians of $15.5 million.Losses from remote access scams increased by 52% from the previous quarter.blend Here's a look at Q1 2024: The average loss for a victim in the first SCT quarter of this year was $17,943, which is 57% more than what victims lost in the last three months of 2013. In contrast to the majority of other scam types, where reported losses have decreased in comparison to 2015, the National Anti-Scam Center's findings indicate a change.Aussies 65 years of age and older experience the greatest losses.“We are very concerned scammers are draining entire bank accounts, with average losses to remote access scams now in the tens of thousands,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

“Financial criminals use sophisticated emails, web-based pop-up messages and phone calls to impersonate well-known companies such as Microsoft to deceive people into thinking there is a problem with their account, computer or phone that needs fixing.”

“The scammer will sound professional and offer to help resolve the problem, by instructing the victim to download well-known screen sharing software such as AnyDesk, Zoho or Teamviewer. Unfortunately, by doing so, the scammer can gain access to their bank accounts,” Ms Lowe said.

“Never download software or apps if directed to by someone over the phone and never share banking information, passwords or two-factor identification codes.”

The National Anti-Scam Centre’s efforts to disrupt remote access scams include notifying remote desktop application software companies of reports of scam activity using their products. It has also contacted the companies being impersonated so they can alert their customers.

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How the scam works – what to look out for

• You receive a phone call out of the blue informing you of an issue with your account, phone, or computer.

• You speak with the scammer over the phone and are instructed to download software or an app which allows the scammer to gain control of your computer or mobile phone.

• Once a scammer has access to your computer or mobile phone they seek to access your bank accounts under the pretence that they are helping to resolve an account issue

• You may be asked to read out banking passwords or one time security codes which gives the scammer access to your bank accounts to complete fraudulent transactions.

• You may be unaware that scammers have drained your bank accounts of funds until the next time you access these accounts.

Top tips to avoid scams

STOP – Don’t rush to act. Hang up on anyone requesting you download software or an app over the phone.  Never provide banking information, passwords, or two-factor identification codes over the phone.

THINK – Ask yourself if you really know who you are communicating with? Take the time to call the business you are dealing with using independently sourced contact details or verify the contact through their secure app.

PROTECT – Act quickly if something feels wrong. If you have shared financial information or transferred money, contact your bank immediately. Help others by reporting to Scamwatch

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