The Most Common AnyDesk Scams Everyone Should Avoid
The growing number of AnyDesk scams has emerged dramatically over recent years. AnyDesk is an effective remote desktop software allowing users to access their computers from another location. That’s when their Internet security gets in danger.
Scammers have exploited this software to deceive people into giving away sensitive information or money. In this article, we will discuss the AnyDesk scams, how they work, how scammers approach their victims, and what you can do to avoid them.
Scam Detectors Most Trusted Websites in Online Security
- Guard.io (100): Surf the web safely. Clean up your browser, remove malicious extensions and check for privacy violations.
- Incogni.com (100): Delete your personal data from the internet and protect against scams and identity theft.
- ExpressVPN (100) Stay secure and anonymous online - Best VPN Out There
1. The AnyDesk Tech Support Scam
The tech support scam is the most common AnyDesk scam, in which scammers impersonate customer support representatives from reputable companies such as Microsoft, Apple, or Google. They call their potential victims, claiming there are computer issues, and offer to fix the problem remotely using AnyDesk.
Once the scammer can access the victim’s computer, they can install malware, adware or steal sensitive information such as all login credentials or credit card numbers.
2. The AnyDesk Job Offer Scam
Another variation of the AnyDesk scam involves fake job offers. Scammers pose as employers or recruiters and offer jobs that include working from home. They ask their victims to install AnyDesk so that they can “train” them.
When the victim grants access to their computer, you know what could happen: the crook steals all the sensitive information he can get on, including bank account details.
3. The Lottery or Prize Scam
In this type of AnyDesk scam, scammers inform their potential victims that they have won a lottery or prize and need to claim it by installing AnyDesk. Once the victim installs the software, the scammer can access their computer and steal sensitive data such as debit/credit card numbers or login credentials.
The scammer may also demand an upfront payment to release the supposed prize, which the victim may never receive.
4. The Investment Scam
The investment scam is a variation of the AnyDesk scam that involves the promise of high returns on investment. Scammers pose as investment brokers and persuade victims to invest in fake investment schemes. They ask their victims to install AnyDesk to give them remote access to their computers so that they can manage their investments.
Once the scammer can access the victim’s computer, they can transfer money from the victim’s account or, as mentioned above, get the login credentials and the credit card numbers.
5. The Romance Scam
The romance scam is a type of AnyDesk scam in which scammers impersonate someone on a dating site and strike up a relationship with their victims. They eventually ask the victim to install AnyDesk, claiming they need access to their computer to book a flight or hotel room for a romantic getaway.
It is too late when the scammer can access the victim’s computer.
6. The Refund Scam
In this type of AnyDesk scam, scammers claim to be from a reputable company and tell the victim they are due a refund. They ask the victim to install AnyDesk to facilitate the refund process.
Same as in the cases mentioned above, once the scammer bursts into the victim’s computer, they collect all the personal data, login credentials, or credit card numbers.
7. The Tax Scam
Scammers impersonating IRS officials call their victims and inform them of outstanding tax debt. They demand immediate payment and ask the victim to install AnyDesk so that they can access the victim’s computer and process the payment.
This is one of the most AnyDesk scams happening these days.
8. The Utility Scam
Scammers claim to be from a utility company and inform the victim that their account is overdue. They demand immediate payment and ask the victim to install AnyDesk to facilitate payment.
Once the scammer gets hold of the victim’s computer, they will steal sensitive information such as login credentials or credit card numbers.
9. The Rental Scam
In this type of AnyDesk scam, scammers pose as landlords and advertise a rental property online. They ask the victim to install AnyDesk to view the property remotely. You know the rest.
10. The Virus Scam
Scammers claim to have detected a virus on the victim’s computer and offer to fix the problem remotely using AnyDesk. Once the criminal gets hold of the victim’s computer, they can install malware or steal sensitive information like login credentials or credit card numbers.
How to Avoid AnyDesk Scams
Here are seven ways you could use to avoid the AnyDesk scams:
- 1. Never trust unsolicited calls or emails claiming to be from reputable companies.
- 2. Be wary of job offers that seem too good to be true. Also, the ones that require you to install software on your computer.
- 3. Do not trust emails or phone calls that claim you have won a lottery or prize.
- 4. Do not invest money in schemes that promise high returns.
- 5. Be cautious of people you meet online. Not to mention, never give anyone remote access to your computer unless you trust them explicitly.
- 6. Always verify the identity of the person on the other end of the line or email before granting them access to your computer.
- 7. Use antivirus software and keep it up to date to prevent malware from being installed on your computer.
AnyDesk scams are becoming increasingly common, and it is super important to remain vigilant and aware of the various tactics used by scammers to deceive their victims. Remember to follow the above tips to avoid falling prey to these. It is essential to remain cautious.
How To Report An AnyDesk Scam
Let your close family and online friends know about these common AnyDesk scams. Feel free to share this article if it was helpful. Meanwhile, you can report crooks and any other suspicious activity to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) using the portal below:
How To Protect Yourself More
If you want to be amongst the first to receive notifications about the most notorious scams every week, subscribe to our Scam Detector newsletter. You will receive periodic emails from us with insightful tips. That will include how to prevent fraud and information about the newest tools you can use to fight crime.
Meanwhile, feel free to educate yourself with some other online fraud-related articles. They are listed under this paragraph, so that you know more about online security. Last but not least, if you have any bad experiences, make sure to use the comments section below to expose other scammers.
TOP 4 MUST-WATCH FRAUD PREVENTION VIDEOS
1. Top 5 Amazon Scams in 2024 2. Top 5 PayPal Scams in 2024 3. How To Spot a Scam Email in 2024- Latest Posts by Selma Hrynchuk
-
How To Stop Robocalls
- -
Taking Control of Your Data Privacy: Protecting Yourself in 2024
- -
The Urgency of Removing Personal Information from the Internet
- All Posts