Anti-fraud group warns of new computer scam
11/11/2015
Anti-fraud group Financial Fraud Action (FFA) has warned consumers against a new scam were criminals use technology to take over victim’s computers and steal personal information.
FFA has claimed that fraudsters have been impersonating major companies to steal money and information. The fraudster will claim to be fixing a slow internet connection but will actually trick them into transferring large sums of money.
The fraudsters will cold call the victim and claim that they are entitled to compensation and ask them to log into their bank account. They will then have access to the victims computer and put up a fake screen, which makes it look like compensation funds have been deposited into the victims current account. They will actually be working in the background of the computer taking money from the victims current account.
The fraudsters are also preying on fears over recent data breaches experienced by major companies such a Talk Talk, Sony and Carphone Warehouse.
Katy Worobec, director of Financial Fraud Action UK said:
"You should never let someone else have access to your computer remotely, especially if they have contacted you via an unsolicited phone call.
"If you are in doubt, then call the organisation back on a number you trust; if they are legitimate they will understand."
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