There are times where we need to work with friends, coworkers, or family members on the computer. Whether it’s writing a document, working on an assignment, or just simply needing to show someone something on our desktop.

However, there is a struggle when it comes to working with colleagues on the computer. Sometimes we try telling them what to click, but they don’t know what exactly we are talking about after explaining it numerous times. And maybe there’s a certain way we want them to do something, but we can’t explain it well enough to understand it. It’s one of those things where showing someone how to do something on the computer is the best way to go. But what if there’s an easier way to do these types of things with your fellow colleagues?

What is TeamViewer?

TeamViewer is a software application that allows for desktop sharing, remote control access, online meetings, and file transfers between computers. This program allows for people to access another person’s computer remotely if the other person needs them to do so. All you have to do is give the other person a code that the program generates and they then have full access to your computer.

While this is a nifty tool to use for working, there are some dangers that come with this program. Scammers have found a way to take advantage of this software and have come up with a clever way to trick their victims with this clever TeamViewer scam.

How the TeamViewer Scam Works

Scammers call you and come up with some excuse as to why they would need to access your computer. The most commonly used excuse is that you apparently have a virus on your computer that they need to help you get rid of, which is what they did to retiree Michael Pitchner. They claimed that TeamViewer is an anti-viral program he needed to install in order to get rid of the virus, and requested the code needed to get onto his computer.

Once they were on his computer, they were able to access all his personal files that had his bank account and personal information stored. They got access to that file, then accessed his bank account and stole $40,000 from him.

His bank, Westpac, told him at first that it was too late to get his money back, even though he had been a customer there for 40 years. Then they had a change of heart and gave him his money back.

How to Avoid This TeamViewer Scam

• If someone you don’t know calls you and tells you to download a certain program, don’t do it. The program will either contain viruses or will let scammers access your entire computer.
• Don’t give anyone you don’t know your TeamViewer code. This will give them access to your computer and they can possibly steal your information.
• Don’t answer unknown calls. There is a high chance that the unknown caller is a scammer, and is trying to steal your personal information and money. If it’s really an important call, the person will leave you a voicemail to call them back.
• Don’t store personal information on your computer if you don’t need to. If scammers stole your computer or gained access to it, that information could end up in the wrong hands and allow scammers to steal your money.

Social Catfish Is Here to Help

If you have been a victim of a scam and would like to share your story with our blog and YouTube audience, you can submit your story to ShareMyStory@socialcatfish.com. You and your story could be featured on our blog and YouTube video as we investigate who is really behind the scam and allow you to gain more information about what you’ve experienced. This will also educate our audience on your experiences and how to deal with them.

If you feel like you’ve been in contact with a scammer and accidentally gave them access to information stored on your computer, Social Catfish is here to help you! We can reverse search any name, email address, phone number, social media username, or image to see who exactly you’ve been in contact with.

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