Online Support Fraud

Introduction

????????????? At St. Mary’s Credit Union, we are always there to help you when you need it. However, there are certain ways in which we will never help, as they would open you to vulnerabilities. In an increasingly digital and remote world, programs like TeamViewer and AnyDesk are useful tools for online collaboration, but in the wrong hands, they can open you up to fraud and scams. These scams seem legitimate, but they prey on unsuspecting victims and leave them vulnerable to privacy breaches and financial losses. If someone reaches out, unsolicited, claiming to be a support member sent to help you with this software, take a second to re-evaluate who you may be speaking with and cease contact. If you have any suspicion that fraud was committed against you, immediately call our member solutions center or the support of whichever account of yours was being serviced.

What it Looks Like

????????????? Online support fraud typically begins with something like a cold call or a pop-up message on your computer claiming to be from a reputable tech support company, a financial institution, a software vendor, or even a government agency. These scammers will use carefully crafted, emotionally targeted tactics to support you into contacting them or following their instructions. They often employ tactics like:

• Instilling fear
• Creating a false sense of urgency
• Impersonating someone who works at a familiar company
• Insisting you tell no one about this
• Telling you to be untruthful to your financial institution

?????????????They may say that your computer is infected with a virus, compromised, or is facing immediate system failure. Once the scammer gains the victim’s trust, the scammer instructs them to download and install remote access software like TeamViewer or AnyDesk, stating that it will help them provide immediate assistance. Unbeknownst to the victim, granting remote access via one of these programs effectively hands over control of their computer to the fraudster.

The Software Fa?ade

????????????? At first glance, TeamViewer and AnyDesk may appear harmless, trusted tools for remote support and collaboration. However, this perception of these tools is used by scammers to gain a sense of trust. If these tools are used by the wrong people, they can be used to give unrestricted access to the victim’s computer, and they can execute many crimes like:

• Data theft of personal and financial information like passwords, banking details, and private documents
• Ransomware deployment that encrypts the victim’s files, demanding large sums of money for their release
• Identity theft and opening fraudulent accounts, applying for loans, etc.
• Financial fraud consisting of unauthorized transactions or online payment manipulation

Protecting Yourself

????????????? While this type of fraud may seem scary, if you are able to spot the warning signs and those in your household remain educated, it is easy to avoid! Here are some tips on how to stay alert:

• Exercise caution: be wary of unsolicited phone calls, emails, or pop-up messages claiming to be support, especially if they seem to create a false sense of urgency
• Verify identities of the person or company that is contacting you. Genuine support representatives will never ask you to download software or provide sensitive information out of the blue
• Guard your information: never share personal or financial information with unknown individuals or entities
• Secure remote access: if you require remote support, initiate the session yourself by contacting a trusted tech support provider through their official channels, and be sure to control the remote access permissions granted to the agent
• Stay informed about common scams and fraud tactics online, and educate your family and friends. Follow us on social media for regular fraud & safety tips!

Conclusion

????????????? As the prevalence of online support fraud scams continue to rise, vigilance and awareness are our best defenses against falling victim to these scams. By remaining cautious, verifying identities, educating ourselves and our families, and safeguarding our personal information, we can thwart the efforts of these fraudsters and protect ourselves. Remember, when it comes to your digital security, it is always better to be safe than sorry if you have any doubts. Finally, if you have any suspicion that you are falling victim to one of these schemes, stop contacting them and call our Member Solutions Center at 508-490-8000.