25/03/2021
We had a very upset customer yesterday. They had received a call from who they thought was Amazon informing them they were due a refund on their Amazon prime account. (£79.99).
What actually happened is that the scammer got them to install Anydesk (which allows remote control of their computer) and promptly stole over £7500 from various bank accounts.
The banks are always far too slow to respond, so were unable to chase and stop that money.
Furthermore, Because the transaction eminated from the users own PC, that money cannot and will not be refunded. So that money is lost.
We were called in to check the safety and integrity of the machine after the event. It has now been cleared of all software and malware that had been installed, and they can once again safely access the internet and their bank accounts.
The customer has been warned that now they have been scammed, their name and details will be on the dark web for other scammers to take a crack at.
Our message is this, please be careful. NEVER give access to your computer to anyone you do not trust 100%.
If anything sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
If you are ever in any doubt or concerned about something, call us. There is never any charge for advice.
Final point, when the customer realised something was not right, they tried to switch off their machine, and it wouldn’t.
However, many users are unaware that in order to properly power off your machine, you need to hold the power button for 5 seconds. Then it will switch off.
Switching off the internet access would also have helped. (Broadband router, just pull the plug if necessary)
Please stay safe out there.
Dave.
