RCMP in B.C. issue warning about remote desktop scam
Mounties on Vancouver Island are out with a warning about a "concerning" scam that has recently targeted several victims.
The Comox Valley RCMP, in a statement, said fraudsters claim to be representatives of well-known companies like Microsoft or Amazon and lure them in using a range of 'false pretenses" from banking issues, to software fixes, to investment opportunities.
"They persuade victims to download free remote desktop software, such as AnyDesk, and ask for their Remote Desktop ID, allowing complete access to the victim’s computer," the news release from the detachment says.
"Once access is granted, scammers often direct victims to log into their bank or investment accounts. This gives them an opportunity to withdraw/transfer money, collect sensitive data, steal personal information, and install malware."
Remote access should never be given to someone who solicits it over the phone or through a pop-up on a computer, police warn.
Additional fraud prevention tips are available online.
antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Canada's inflation rate jumps back to 2%, likely curbing large rate-cut bets
Canada's annual inflation rate accelerated more than expected to 2.0 per cent in October as gas prices fell less than the previous month, data showed on Tuesday, likely diluting chances of another large rate cut in December.
Cargo plane goes off the runway at Vancouver International Airport
A jet carrying Amazon packages went off the runway at Vancouver International Airport Tuesday morning.
Toddler dies from drug toxicity in Niagara Falls, Ont.
A 40-year-old woman is facing charges in the death of a toddler who was found without vital signs in a Niagara Falls, Ont., home last year. Niagara regional police say officers found the two-year-old child after they were called to a home on Nov. 21, 2023.
Ex-husband of mass rape victim Gisele Pelicot set to speak in court
Gisele Pelicot, subjected to mass rape organized by her husband over 10 years, on Tuesday condemned the cowardice of the dozens of men accused of abusing her who claim they didn't realize it was rape, adding France's patriarchal society must change.
Organic carrots recalled in Canada due to E. coli
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has posted a recall for both baby and whole organic carrot brands sold at multiple grocery stores due to E. coli contamination.
Paul Teal, actor from 'One Tree Hill,' dead at age 35
Paul Teal, a film and TV actor known best for his role in the CW's teen soap 'One Tree Hill,' has died, according to a statement from his agent Susan Tolar Walters. He was 35.
BREAKING Reports of male armed with knife on U of M campus: Winnipeg police
The Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) is warning the public about a male armed with a knife at the U of M campus.
'Bomb cyclone' to bring high winds to the B.C. coast
Environment Canada is warning those living on the B.C. coast to be prepared for incoming wild weather.
With swastika flags and bellowed slurs, neo-Nazi marchers strode through Columbus. Ohio's governor and officials condemn it
Ohio officials have denounced a small contingent of neo-Nazis who paraded Saturday afternoon through a Columbus neighbourhood, waving flags featuring swastikas and shouting a racist slur, in the latest public demonstration by white nationalists in recent years across the United States.