There are so many things we need to be careful of online these days, but a bit of common sense sure does go a long way in keeping risks to a minimum.
At IQPC, certain clients benefit from using Remote Access software, in fact, you’ll see a link to it in the header of our website. We, and other businesses doing things like IT management, support and training, use this software to connect to your computer so we can move the cursor and access programs and files as if we were sitting right there with you. Assisting our clients remotely saves time and potentially a call out fee for you … a win win.
When you need to be worried about a Remote Access scam, is when someone you don’t know is asking you to accept a Remote Access connection and most of the time, interestingly, these requests are coming from a phone call according to Scamwatch. Someone posing from a large company like Telstra or Microsoft will try to lead you to believe there is something wrong with your computer and attempt to get you to log onto their Software connection. Now, between you and me, Telstra aren’t generally ringing you to tell you there is an issue with your computer or internet connection, so there’s your first red flag!
These scammers might ask for things like personal information, get you to buy software or ask for your bank or credit card details. Red flag number 2. As a general rule, its best not to give out any of this stuff to someone you are not expecting to, if they’re credible, they certainly shouldn’t balk if you have concerns and they should be able to provide you with an alternative or provide you with some definitive reassurance rather than bullying you into giving your deets. If by some chance they do convince you to join up to a remote connection, things can get serious, fast. They will have access to everything you do and can install viruses or malware which can allow them to take info without you even realising.
So what do you do? Hopefully nothing. Hang up the phone if you suspect they are not who they say they are, don’t reply to weird texts or click on any attachments or strange pop ups. Remember, you can always pull the plug if you’re not sure! If you have already engaged in a remote connection, contact your bank immediately for further advice, don’t use the internet for anything confidential as your movements could be monitored, and take your computer to a reputable IT company, like us, we can remove any malware that may have been installed. Lastly, always report the incident to Scamwatch, even if it wasn’t successful, just so they can do their best to eradicate these scumbags!
If you want to ask us any questions about this, jump on Live Chat or contact us.
