Beware – Air Ambulance Scam
Our District Councillor Corinne Garvie reports “a resident in one of the council settlements in Girton answered the door to a man purporting to be from the Air Ambulance. His ID was not visible and he asked for her bank details. She was suspicious and refused to do so. The Air Ambulance webpage reports on this scam happening in Norfolk and Suffolk https://www.eaaa.org.uk/news/fraudulent-canvassers-norfolk-and-suffolk.
The money does not go to the Air Ambulance but to a fraudster. If anyone has recently paid out money to this person, they would be advised to cancel their direct debit and contact the Air Ambulance to donate directly. It is advisable to never give bank details to anyone on the doorstep.”
Remote Access Scams
More than £50 million was lost last year to scams where victims are tricked into handing over control of their computer or smartphone to criminals. New data from Action Fraud, the national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, reveals that 20,144 people fell victim to scams where they were persuaded to grant criminals remote access to their device. Victims reported losing a total of £57,790,384 – an average loss of £2,868 per victim.
What are remote access scams
Remote Access scams will often begin with a browser pop-up saying that your computer is infected with a virus, or maybe a call from someone claiming to be from your bank saying that they need to connect to your computer in order to cancel a fraudulent transaction on your account. Regardless of the narrative the fraudster’s use, their goal is to steal your money or access your financial information by tricking you into allowing them to remotely connect to your computer.
Detective Chief Inspector Craig Mullish, from the City of London Police, said:
“While remote access tools are safe when used legitimately, we want the public to be aware that they can be misused by criminals to perpetrate fraud. We often see criminals posing as legitimate businesses in order to trick people into handing over control of their computer or smartphone.
“You should only install software or grant remote access to your computer if you’re asked by someone you know and trust, such as a friend or family member, and never as a result of an unsolicited call, browser pop-up or text message.”
How to protect yourself
• Only install software or grant remote access to your computer if you’re asked by someone you know and trust, such as a friend or family member, and never as a result of an unsolicited call, browser pop up, or text message.
• Remember, a bank or service provider will never contact you out of the blue requesting remote access to your device.
• If you believe your laptop, PC, tablet or phone has been infected with a virus or some other type of malware, follow the NCSC’s guidance on recovering an infected device.
• Protect your money by contacting your bank immediately on a different device from the one the scammer contacted you on.
• Report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk.
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