How to Avoid Remote Access Scams

Learn what you can do to not become victim of cybercrime

AnyDesk is used legitimately by millions of IT professionals worldwide, to remotely connect to their clients' devices to help with technical issues. However, scammers can try to misuse AnyDesk (or any other remote access software) to connect to your computer and steal data, access codes, and even money.

2 simple rules

#1. Rule number one

Never give anyone you don’t know access to your devices.

#2. Rule number two

Never share online banking login details or any passwords with anyone.

Detect a scammer

The more you know about the way they work, the better protected you are

What they do

If someone you don’t know is asking to access any of your devices and wants you to download specific software: Be careful! You’re at risk of becoming a victim of a remote access scam.
Usually, these criminals will call and report a computer or internet problem they have detected and offer help. They will probably say they work for a widely-known company such as Microsoft or even your bank.
Never trust a call you weren’t expecting!
Don’t trust the “help” offered that you did not request!
No bank or company will ask you over the phone to download software!

What you can do

Scammers are basically after your money.
If someone who is remotely connected to your device is asking you to login to your bank account or to show any personal passwords, they are most likely a scammer. Don’t follow their instructions! Even if they say you need to pay them because they alleged to have solved a problem you were having, don’t trust them. You didn’t ask for their “help.”
If you feel uncomfortable or insecure:
Stop any phone call just by hanging up!
End any remote session by simply turning off your device!

What to do when scammed

Step 1

Report the scam to your account providers (i.e. bank, credit card institution, online paying systems)

Step 2

Change any passwords to accounts that may have been compromised

Step 3

Have your device checked by an IT-specialist

Step 4

Report the scam to your local authorities

I might have been scammed

Report Now

Tutorial: How to spot a scam

Discover what you can do to spot a scam

Tutorial: How to spot a scam

Discover more

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Contact

If you were scammed using AnyDesk, submit a report here.

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