Computer takeover scams

~ admin

https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/news-alerts/computer-takeover-scams-on-the-rise

So far this year scammers have stolen more than $7.2 million from Australians by gaining access to home computers, an increase of 184 per cent compared to the same period last year.

According to the ACCC’s Scamwatch, almost 6,500 Australians have reported phone calls from scammers trying to convince them to download software that gives access to home computers and their bank accounts.

Commonly called remote access scams, scammers pretend to be from well-known organisations such as Telstra, eBay, NBN Co, Amazon, banks, government organisations, police, and computer and IT support organisations. They create a sense of urgency to make you give them access to your computer via remote access software.

“Remote access scams are one of the largest growing scam types in Australia. Scammers take advantage of the digital world and the fear of fraud and cybercrime to access people’s devices and steal their money,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.

“These types of scams target and impact all people and can be convincing. People aged 55 and older lost over $4.4 million, accounting for almost half of total losses. Young people reported losing on average $20,000 and eight Indigenous Australians, some in remote communities, lost a total of $38,000.”

Scams of this nature will often be an unexpected phone call saying you’ve been billed for a purchase you didn’t make, your device has been compromised, or your account has been hacked. Sometimes they start with an SMS, email or pop up on a screen from a scammer seeking urgent contact to fix a problem.

The scammer will pretend to assist you or ask you to assist them to catch the scammer. They will tell you to download remote control software such as AnyDesk or TeamViewer. Once the scammer has control of your computer or device, they will ask you to log into applications such as emails, internet banking or PayPal accounts, which will allow the scammer to access your banking and personal information to impersonate you or steal their money.

While remote access tools have been around for years to help IT support personnel in their work, scammers are also taking advantage of the ability to remotely access people’s computers or smart phones.

“It is really important not to let anyone who contacts you out of the blue access your devices, as once you give them access, you have no way of knowing what the person will do to your computer or what programs they may install,” Ms Rickard said.

“If you receive contact from someone claiming to be from a telecommunications company, a technical support service provider or online marketplace, hang up. If you think the communication may have been legitimate, independently source the contact details for the organisation to contact them. Don’t use the contact details in the communication. Also, don’t click on any of the links.”

“Remember, your bank will never ask you to give them access to your computer or accounts, nor will they ask for the codes to verify transactions. You should never provide those numbers to anyone except to verify transactions you are making in your mobile banking app or through your online banking,” Ms Rickard said.

The ACCC is working with the private sector to disrupt these scams including by sharing information with telecommunications carriers about the phone numbers used to call Australians so they can trace and block calls.

People who think they may have been scammed should contact their bank or financial institution as soon as possible. If they installed any apps or programs, they should also delete them from the device. Support in recovering from these scams including how to check if your identity and computer is secure is available through IDCARE on 1800 595 160 or www.idcare.org

People can make a report on the Scamwatch website. They can also follow @scamwatch_gov on Twitter and subscribe to Scamwatch radar alerts.

Updates; Backups & Passwords.

~ admin

Staying at home? great, so now is the time to do those important computer maintenance jobs. Yes the ones you keep putting off.

Updates:

Windows 10 updates happen automatically in the background to provide security; fixes and new functions. But only when your computer is on (not when in Sleep Mode) and has an internet connection.

Unless you use the computer every day for long periods I suggest turning it on weekly and leave on and connected to the internet all day. This gives the operating system (Windows) time to do updates, indexing and background maintenance tasks.

Also check for updates for all the programs and apps that you use. They can be a security risk if not kept up to date. Often you just have to click on the programs Help tab and select Update.

Most importantly … update your Security software for Internet security, Anti-Virus, Anti-Malware protection. Do your research and only use reliable, trustworthy programs. Windows 10 comes with inbuilt security and firewall. In the form of Windows Defender and its Microsoft Edge web browser.

Backups:

Windows 10 ‘File History’, once setup, can automatically backup any of your User folders or files as they change. Backs up your Document; Download; Pictures; Music and Video folders and contents.

Setup instructions can be provided. Contact me.

Passwords:

Regardless of the years of experience and skills that I have, if you don’t know your passwords I can’t help you. Well actually I maybe able to, but the impossible just takes a bit longer and will cost you more.

We use to say don’t write down your passwords. With today’s risks of identity theft, fraud and financial loss everything has changed.

Use secure passwords. Use a different password for each account or service. Don’t use you banking password or PIN for any other account. Use a reliable ‘Password Manager’ program or keep a notebook just for passwords. Or do both. Record all details of where the password is used:

  • Supplier/Company/Account name etc and Date started.
  • User Name:
  • Email address supplied:
  • Password: (see later for tips)
  • Date of any password changes:
  • Record all details that you supplied. (Such as DOB & Address).
  • Telephone Number:
  • Security email or phone number: (An alternative contact phone number or email address).
  • Write down any Secret Questions and the Answers you gave.

The reason for recording all these details, along with password, is that in say a month or years time you won’t remember what phone number or email address you submitted. Either may have changed.

More to follow later ………

Remote Support & Assistance.

~ admin

When directed by me, Click Here.

I use the “GoToAssist” program by LogMeIn, for remote assistance over your internet connection.

After contacting me for help I will give you a 9 digit support key number and assist you to setup the remote connection.

fastsupport.gotoassist.com

Be cautious if you receive unsolicited requests to access your computer.

Only join support sessions with people you recognize and trust.

Microsoft; Telstra; Windows; NBN; or your Bank, will not contact you for personal information or remote access to your computer.

8. Security

LogMeIn follows generally accepted standards to protect the personal information submitted to us, both during transmission and once it is received. However, no security measure is perfect. We recommend safeguarding your password, as it is one of the easiest ways you can manage the security of your own account – remember that if you lose control over your password, you may lose control over your personal information.

Source: – https://www.logmeininc.com/legal/privacy?c_prod=care&c_name=iph

LogMeIn has self-certified to the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield and Swiss Privacy Shield with respect to Customer Data. For more information, see our Privacy Shield Notice.

Latest Scams.

~ admin

Warning on COVID-19 scams
Australians should be aware scammers are adapting existing technology to play on people’s fears around coronavirus and selling products claiming to prevent or cure the virus.

Since 1 January 2020, the ACCC’s Scamwatch has received 94 reports of scams about coronavirus, but warns figures are starting to climb.

Scamwatch has received multiple reports of phishing scams sent via email or text message that claim to be providing official information on coronavirus but are attempts to try and obtain personal data.

“Unfortunately, scammers are using the uncertainty around COVID-19, or coronavirus, to take advantage of people,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.

Other scams include people receiving misinformation about cures for coronavirus and investment scams claiming coronavirus has created opportunities to make money.

“We’ve had a wide variety of scams reported to us, including fake online stores selling products claiming to be a vaccine or cure for coronavirus, and stores selling products such as face masks and not providing the goods.”

“There is no known vaccine or cure for coronavirus and a vaccine isn’t expected to be available for 18 months. Do not buy any products that claim to prevent or cure you of COVID-19. They simply don’t exist.”

“Scammers are impersonating official organisations such as the World Health Organization and the Department of Health or legitimate businesses such as travel agents and telecommunications companies,” Ms Rickard said.

“Understandably, people want information on the pandemic, but they should be wary of emails or text messages claiming to be from experts. For the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus, visit the Department of Health and the World Health Organization websites directly.”

If you think you have been scammed, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.

More information on coronavirus scams is available on the Scamwatch website, including how to make a report and where to get help.