Chifley Police have warned that remote access scams are on the rise.
Scammers, posing as service providers and government agencies will often feign IT support, creating a sense of urgency to gain access to their victim's computers or phones.
The scam usually begins with a phone call, and a friendly voice on the other end of the line claiming to be providing technical support or requiring data to provide a service.
The appearance of authenticity means victims often follow the caller's instructions, unwittingly allowing the caller access to their devices.
Within hours, bank accounts can be drained and identity theft can often follow.
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This process is not unique. Across Australia, a startling new wave of cybercrime has emerged, preying on unsuspecting individuals.
This year alone, scammers have stolen over $7.2 million from Australians by gaining unauthorised access to their home computers.
This marks a staggering 184 percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to Scamwatch, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) fraud monitoring service.
The scams typically begin with a phone call from someone claiming to be from reputable organizations such as Telstra, eBay, NBN Co, or even government agencies and banks.
These scammers create a sense of urgency, persuading people to download remote access software like AnyDesk or TeamViewer.
Once they gain control of the victim’s computer, they have free rein to access sensitive information and empty bank accounts.
“Remote access scams have become one of the fastest-growing types of fraud in Australia,” says Delia Rickard, Deputy Chair of the ACCC. “Scammers exploit the digital world and people’s fear of fraud and cybercrime to gain access to their devices and steal their money.”
The impact of these scams is both widespread and devastating.
Older Australians, particularly those aged 55 and over, have been hit hardest, losing over $4.4 million—almost half of the total reported losses.
Young people aren’t spared either; they have reported losses averaging $20,000 each.
Even within remote Indigenous communities, eight individuals lost a combined total of $38,000.
The scam often starts with an unexpected phone call or a message saying that you’ve been billed for something you didn’t purchase, or that your account has been hacked.
Sometimes it begins with an SMS or a pop-up message urging you to act quickly to fix a problem.
The scammer’s tactics are deviously convincing.
They might claim to help you or ask you to assist them in catching the supposed scammer.
Once they have convinced you to download the remote control software, they can view your screen and ask you to log into various accounts, gaining access to your personal and financial information.
Despite their legitimate uses in IT support, these remote access tools are being weaponised by scammers.
“It’s crucial never to allow unsolicited contacts to access your devices,” warns Ms. Rickard. “Once you give them access, you can’t know what they’ll do or what they might install.”
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from a tech company or online marketplace, Ms. Rickard advises hanging up immediately.
Instead, verify the contact details of the organisation through independent means and never click on any links provided in the message.
Your bank, she adds, will never ask for remote access to your computer or request verification codes through unsolicited communications.
Chifley Police urged the community to be aware that legitimate government agencies and service providers will never ask for bank details, or request remote access to your computer or phone.
