South Australia Police has identified an increase in Remote Access Scams, where unsuspecting victims are receiving calls out of the blue and being requested to download software onto their device or computer to resolve an urgent account hacking issue.
Whilst these types of scams are not new, scammers are adept at using current events to tailor their scripts. Recently these scams have involved cold calls purporting to be Telstra cyber security, NBN, Amazon or the victim’s bank fraud team offering assistance.
Victims are receiving unsolicited telephone calls, with the caller informing them that their respective accounts have been hacked or unusual activity has been identified. The caller then informs the victim that in order to rectify the issue, they will need to download an app onto their device or software onto their computer. Unfortunately, the software downloaded is a remote access tool, which provides the scammer with full access and control of the device. This means they will have full access to personal information, passwords and online accounts. Once the scammers have control of the device, large sums of money are often removed from the victim’s bank account without their permission.
South Australia Police recommend that people do not download software or apps that they are not familiar with, and particularly not at the direction of someone over the telephone.
If you receive a call and cannot be certain with whom you are speaking, hang up the phone and make contact with the organisation on a known, reputable number or an alternative contact method such as an email address from their website.
For further information on scams affecting South Australians, please visit www.police.sa.gov.au/scams
