How to Protect Yourself from AnyDesk Scams
AnyDesk is a popular and reliable remote desktop software that allows you to access and control other devices from anywhere. However, some scammers may try to misuse AnyDesk or other similar software to trick you into giving them access to your device, data, or money. In this blog post, we will explain how AnyDesk scams work, what are the common signs of a scam, and how you can prevent and report them.
How AnyDesk Scams Work
AnyDesk scams are a type of technical support scam, where fraudsters pretend to be from a reputable company or organization and offer to help you with a fake or exaggerated problem with your device, internet connection, bank account, or online service. They may contact you by phone, email, text message, or pop-up window, and use various tactics to persuade you to download AnyDesk and share your unique access code with them.
Once they have access to your device through AnyDesk, they can do any of the following:
- Search your device for sensitive files, photos, and documents that they can use for blackmail or identity theft
- Steal your passwords and gain access to your bank, email, social media, and other online accounts
- Spy on you as you use your device, sometimes even accessing your camera or microphone
- Manipulate your screen to make it look like there are issues with your bank account or online service, and then trick you into sending them money or gift cards
- Install malware or ransomware on your device that can damage it or lock it until you pay a ransom
According to the FBI , Americans lost more than $800 million to tech support scams in 2022 — many of which involved the use of remote access software like AnyDesk.
How to Spot an AnyDesk Scam
There are some common signs that can help you identify an AnyDesk scam and avoid falling victim to it. Here are some of them:
- You receive an unsolicited call, email, text message, or pop-up window from someone claiming to be from a well-known company or organization, such as Microsoft, Apple, Google, Amazon, or even your bank.
- They tell you that there is a problem with your device, internet connection, bank account, or online service that needs to be fixed urgently.
- They ask you to download AnyDesk or another remote desktop software and share your access code with them.
- They pressure you to act quickly and not tell anyone about the call.
- They ask you to login to your bank account or online service while they are connected to your device.
- They ask you to send them money or gift cards as a payment for their service or as a refund for a mistake.
How to Prevent and Report an AnyDesk Scam
If you encounter an AnyDesk scam attempt, here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and others:
- Do not give anyone you don’t know access to your devices. No legitimate company or organization will ask you over the phone to download remote desktop software.
- Do not share any personal information, passwords, access codes, or banking details with anyone over the phone or online. No legitimate company or organization will ask you for these details.
- Hang up the phone, close the email, text message, or pop-up window, and end the remote session if you feel uncomfortable or suspicious.
- Have your device checked by a trusted IT professional if you think it may have been compromised by a scammer.
- Change any passwords or access codes that may have been exposed by a scammer.
- Report the scam to your local authorities and to AnyDesk . You can also report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) if you are in the US.
AnyDesk is committed to preventing and fighting online fraud and scams. We have implemented various security features and measures to protect our users from unauthorized access and abuse. We also cooperate with law enforcement agencies and other organizations to raise awareness and educate people about remote desktop scams.
Remember: AnyDesk is a secure and useful tool for remote work and support when used correctly and responsibly. Always be vigilant and cautious when someone contacts you unexpectedly and asks you to download AnyDesk or any other software. If something sounds too good to be true or too bad to be true, it probably is.
