Scammers may ask you to download this program so they can access your device – Boston 25 News

Scam victims are noticing a trend: Hackers are manipulating a popular computer software called AnyDesk.

AnyDesk is a legitimate software program that allows someone to take control of your computer if you need help with a technology issue.

Scammers know this.

Karla Timpani says she was a victim, falling for a scam involving gift cards. “And then it starts telling me to do all these steps on my computer, and one of them was to go to AnyDesk,” she said. “And I didn’t know it would give him remote access to my computer, but it did.”

Timpani said the person was able to access her bank account, which led to a larger scheme that ended up costing her $23,000.

Jamie Sparks came up with a scam involving online returns. The scammer asked her to download AnyDesk.

“The app said ‘remote control.’ It stayed with me only because I thought something was wrong,” she said.

Luckily, she didn’t fall for it and ended the relationship with that person.

“He could get into a lot of mischief,” she added.

AnyDesk is aware of the issue. It even has a warning for people who use its product.

In the email, the company writes:

“Abusing our platform and other remote platforms in this way is immoral and unacceptable. Millions of professionals around the world depend on AnyDesk to securely connect to work computers and help with technical issues. We are committed to doing everything in our power to help end these scams.

“The risk of misuse is why we encourage and warn users after downloading AnyDesk to never share information with someone they do not know or trust. Each user has access to AnyDesk resources to avoid fraud attempts along with a real-time reporting system managed by the support team. Users must authorize all connection requests before granting access to their device. All sessions use military-grade encryption among other security measures.”

AnyDesk advises its users to follow three basic rules:

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

2. Never share internet banking login details or passwords with anyone.

3. Be careful if you are unexpectedly contacted by the support center of a large technology corporation offering to help with technical problems

“We will continue to make every effort to combat remote desktop software abuse on our own platform and the industry as a whole.”

Even if a scammer asks you to download AnyDesk and you do, that person still needs your permission (a specific code) to use it. Whatever you do, don’t share it.

If you download the app and give a scammer access to your device:

· Report fraud to account providers (your bank, online payment systems, etc.)

· Change passwords for accounts that may have been compromised.

· Have an IT professional check your device.

· Report fraud to local authorities.

If you yourself have experienced any kind of scam or know of a scammer who misused AnyDesk software, you can report the problem here. More information on AnyDesk’s abuse prevention can be found here.

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