South Australia Police (SAPOL) has identified an increase in Remote Access Scams where unsuspecting victims are receiving calls requesting them to download software onto their device or computer to solve an urgent account hacking issue.
In a statement, SAPOL said the scams had recently involved cold calls purporting to be Telstra cyber security, NBN, Amazon or the victim’s own bank fraud team offering assistance.
It said the caller informs the victim that their respective accounts had been hacked or unusual activity had 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.
“This means they (the frauder) will have full access to personal information, passwords and online accounts.”
SAPOL said that once the scammers have control of the device, large sums of money are often removed from the victim’s bank account without their permission.
It warned members of the community not to download software or apps that they are not familiar with, 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,” SAPOL said.
Further information on scams and cybercrime can be accessed on the SAPOL website at this PS News link.
