At Wealth Recovery Solicitors we are seeing a significant rise in cases involving remote access software, which has resulted in devastating losses.
Key Takeaways:
- Remote access software allows someone to control a device from another location.
- Legitimate tools such as AnyDesk and TeamViewer are often used by IT support teams, but scammers can misuse them.
- Remote access scams often begin with investment fraud, crypto scams, bank impersonation calls or fake technical support.
- Once scammers gain access, they may view banking information, steal login details, move money or access crypto wallets.
- Never download remote access software because of an unsolicited call, message or email.
- If you gave a scammer access to your device, disconnect immediately, uninstall the software, change passwords and contact your bank.
- Wealth Recovery Solicitors may be able to help assess whether there is a route to recover funds lost through a remote access scam.
What is remote access?
Remote access grants the ability to control another device from a different location. Once access is granted, the remote user can operate the device, as if physically present – using the keyboard and mouse, viewing files, navigating between accounts and even initiating transactions.
Common remote access tools
Legitimate software such as AnyDesk and TeamViewer is widely used among IT technicians to troubleshoot computer issues. However, this legitimate tool is being weaponised by scammers to grant access to sensitive information and initiate unauthorised transactions.
How scammers exploit remote access
At Wealth Recovery Solicitors, we have identified two major patterns in the use of remote access software:
Investment and Cryptocurrency Scams
Scammers pose as financial advisors and crypto brokers to support individuals who have no experience in buying or trading cryptocurrency through their investments. They instruct individuals to download remote access software, promising that they will assist in the purchasing of cryptocurrency and subsequent investments, using their knowledge and expertise.
The scammers may suggest that the software will allow for a smooth investment process and will be more convenient than over-the-phone assistance. However, once they have access to the devices, they are able to access their banking apps and crypto wallets, steal login credentials and personal data, and initiate unauthorised transactions and purchases.
Bank impersonation scams
Individuals may receive calls from fraudsters claiming to be from their bank. The caller may warn of suspicious activity on their account or malware threats and urge that the individual act immediately on this. Under pressure, the individual may be instructed to download remote access software to allow them to secure their account. Instead, the scammer can then view sensitive financial information, transfer funds or change login credentials to restrict access to their own accounts.
A Wealth Recovery Solicitors manager says: “Remote access scams are particularly dangerous because victims often believe they are being helped in real time. If someone you do not know asks you to download screen-sharing or remote access software, stop and verify the request independently before taking any further action.”
How to protect yourself against remote access scams
To safeguard against remote access scams, follow these essential tips:
To protect yourself:
- Do not download remote access software because of an unsolicited call, email, WhatsApp message or social media message.
- Do not share passwords, PINs, one-time passcodes or banking details.
- Do not allow anyone you do not know to control your device.
- Be cautious of pressure and urgency tactics that make you feel you must act immediately.
- Do not trust caller ID alone, as phone numbers can be spoofed.
- If someone claims to be from your bank, hang up and contact the bank directly using the number on its official website or your bank card.
- If someone claims to be an investment adviser, check whether the firm is authorised before sending money.
- Be especially cautious where cryptocurrency is involved, as transactions can be difficult to reverse.
What to do if you have been targeted
If you believe you have fallen victim to a remote access scam, act quickly. The priority is to stop further access, secure your accounts and preserve evidence. You should also report the matter to your bank, any relevant payment provider and Action Fraud. The sooner you act, the better the chance of reducing further loss or supporting a recovery claim.
Prevent Further Loss
If a scammer has accessed your device, disconnect from the internet immediately. This can help stop the scammer from continuing to control the device. You should then uninstall remote access software such as AnyDesk, TeamViewer or any other programme the scammer instructed you to download.
If you believe the scammer accessed your login credentials, immediately change all passwords and PINs. Use a separate, secure device to do this if possible.
You should also:
- Contact your bank immediately and explain that remote access software may have been used.
- Freeze affected cards and accounts where possible.
- Change passwords for email, banking, crypto exchange and social media accounts.
- Enable two-factor authentication.
- Run a security scan or ask a trusted IT professional to check your device.
- Save screenshots, messages, phone numbers, emails, transaction details and wallet addresses.
- Report the scam to Action Fraud.
Do not continue communicating with the scammer. If they contact you again and claim they can recover the money, this may be a recovery scam.
Recover your funds
Get in touch with us at Wealth Recovery Solicitors to receive a free consultation with our team to assess your case and craft a personalised recovery plan. We are a fully regulated law firm who have recovered over £50 million for our clients, on a no-win, no-fee basis. We are here to support and advise you through every step of the recovery process, offering a non-judgmental service with your best interests at heart.
If you believe you have been a victim of a scam, contact us at Wealth Recovery Solicitors for a free consultation with our experienced team to determine the most effective route to recovering your funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a remote access scam?
A remote access scam happens when a fraudster tricks someone into giving them control of their device. The scammer may use legitimate software such as AnyDesk or TeamViewer to view information, guide payments, steal login details or access accounts. These scams often begin with fake bank calls, investment offers, crypto schemes or technical support messages.
How do remote access scams usually start?
Remote access scams often start with an unexpected call, email, advert or message. The scammer may pretend to be from a bank, technology company, investment platform or cryptocurrency firm. They usually create urgency and claim remote access is needed to fix a problem, secure an account, or complete an investment process.
What warning signs should I look out for?
Warning signs include unsolicited contact, pressure to act quickly, requests to download software, and instructions to keep the call secret. You should also be cautious if someone asks you to share your screen, reveal codes, move money, or log into banking while they are connected. A genuine bank or regulated firm should not ask for control of your device.
What should I do if I gave a scammer remote access to my device?
Disconnect from the internet, uninstall the remote access software and stop all contact with the scammer. Use a secure device to change passwords for banking, email, crypto and other sensitive accounts. Contact your bank immediately, freeze affected cards or accounts, report the scam to Action Fraud and preserve all evidence.
Can Wealth Recovery Solicitors help recover money lost to a remote access scam?
Wealth Recovery Solicitors may be able to help assess your case and identify possible recovery routes. This may include reviewing whether a bank, payment provider or platform should have intervened or responded differently. The best next step is to gather your evidence and contact the team for a free consultation.