Police have issued a fresh scam warning after a Parkes resident was scammed $20,000.
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"Scammers are ringing up saying people owe money on an outstanding account," a Parkes police spokesperson said.
"During the scam they are asked to download an app called AnyDesk."
This remote desktop application software provides remote access to your computer or device running the application - and is frequently used by scammers.
In this case, the Parkes resident was told they owed $99.95.
Parkes police remind residents you don't have to answer unknown numbers, and if you get a call from someone claiming you have outstanding accounts, you can contact ScamWatch.
ScamWatch reveals $1.8m has been lost in remote access scams that begin with a phone call advising you owe money on an account, with scammers often using big names including Telstra, NBN or Microsoft.
Alternatively, they may claim to be from a technical support service provider and tell you your computer has been sending error messages or has a virus.
Scamwatch says warning signs include:
- A phone call out of the blue where the caller claims to be from a large telecommunications or computer company, or a technical support service provider;
- They tell you that your computer is experiencing technical problems and they need remote access to sort out the problem;
- They ask you to buy software or sign up to a service to fix the computer;
- They ask for your personal details and your bank or credit card details;
- The caller is very persistent and may become abusive.
They advise you can protect yourself:
- Never give an unsolicited caller remote access to your computer;
- Never give your personal, credit card or online account details over the phone unless you made the call and the phone number came from a trusted source;
- If you receive a phone call out of the blue about your computer and remote access is requested - hang up - even if they mention a well-known company such as Telstra. Telstra does not request credit card details over the phone to fix computer or telephone problems, and is not affiliated with any companies that do.
Find more information and advice - or report a scam - on the Scamwatch website.