Comox Valley RCMP wants you to watch out for a desktop scam that’s on the rise.
Police say scammers contact victims under the false act of bank security issues, software fixes, or investment opportunities, posing as representatives of well-known companies like Microsoft or Amazon.
They persuade people into downloading free remote desktop software and ask for their remote desktop ID, allowing them full access to the person’s computer, where they can withdraw or transfer money, collect sensitive data, steal personal information, and install malware by getting the victim to log into their bank or investment account.
With this scam having already targeted people in the Valley, officers have tips for you to follow.
They encourage no remote access to your computer unless you started the conversation and are certain of the source, be aware of unsolicited phone, email, or pop-up messages asking for access, verify the caller by calling the actual company, and never give your passwords to someone over the phone.
For more information on scams, click here.
