Over 20,000 Brits Scammed Through Remote Access Frauds
Shocking new figures from Action Fraud reveal that 20,144 people fell prey to remote access scams last year. Victims were tricked into giving crooks control of their devices, losing a staggering £57.8 million in total – that’s an average hit of £2,868 per person.
What Exactly Are Remote Access Scams?
These scams often start with scary browser pop-ups claiming your computer is infected with a virus. Or you might get a call from someone pretending to be your bank, insisting they need to connect to your device to stop a fraudulent transaction. Whatever story they spin, the aim is to steal your cash or personal financial info by gaining remote access to your computer or phone.
Police Warn: Don’t Hand Over Control to Strangers
Detective Chief Inspector Craig Mullish from City of London Police said:
“Remote access tools are safe if used properly, but fraudsters exploit them to steal from the public. We regularly see criminals pretending to be trusted businesses, tricking people into handing over control of their devices.”
“Only install software or grant remote access if someone you know and trust asks you to – like a family member or friend. Never do this because of an unexpected call, pop-up, or message.”
How to Shield Yourself from These Frauds
- Only allow remote access if a trusted friend or family member requests it. Ignore unsolicited calls, pop-ups, or texts asking for this.
- Remember, banks and service providers never call out of the blue to request access to your device.
- If you suspect your device is infected, follow the National Cyber Security Centre’s advice to recover it safely.
- If you think you’ve been targeted, contact your bank immediately—but use a different device from the one the scammer contacted you on.
- Report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit actionfraud.police.uk. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.
