TeamViewer Scams

TeamViewer is undoubtedly one of the most effective tools for remote desktop sharing. It’s no wonder the software was named the best for User and Employee Experience at the 2021 European Customer Centricity Awards.

However, fraudsters are increasingly misusing this software to steal sensitive data and information from unaware clients. But you don’t have to be a victim of the TeamViewer scam.

This article highlights what the TeamViewer scam is, how it occurs, how to avoid it, what to do if you’ve been scammed, and more.

Feel free to jump ahead!

What is a TeamViewer scam?

TeamViewer is a genuine software that helps connect to remote computers, transfer files between different systems, and provide remote access and support. But scammers are using this tool for malicious purposes. They often trick individuals into allowing access to their computer systems and stealing sensitive and personal information.

For instance, you may receive a notification from scammers claiming that your computer might be at risk and needs ‘fixing’. They then request remote access to your system through the TeamViewer software.

How does the TeamViewer scam work?

In a remote access scam, including the TeamViewer scam, the fraud actors trick you into giving them remote access and control of your computer system. The scammer then can steal your sensitive information or con money out of you.

In most cases, the TeamViewer scams are related to tech support scams. Here, you receive a call from a fake tech support team claiming that your computer system is infected and should be fixed. The scammers may also send a scary pop-up message to your computer and attach a phone number to call for help.

They then request remote access to your computer system to ‘fix’ the problem. They use this chance to steal your personal or sensitive information or your money.

How to avoid TeamViewer scams?

TeamViewer scams are growing in numbers, calling for preventive measures from individuals. The good news is that staying clear of the TeamViewer scams can be quite simple if you adhere to two main rules, including:

Rule number #1: Don’t give access to your computer to a stranger

Don’t fall victim to cold calls from a fake tech support team. Tech specialists from government and companies will never cold call you to request access to your computer system. So, if you receive a call purporting to be from tech support specialists, the chances are that it’s a scam.

Also, legitimate firms will never put their phone numbers on security warnings, asking you to call them. So, if you see a virus warning or a pop-up message on your computer asking you to call a number, it’s most probably a scam.

Lastly, and most importantly, do not give remote access to individuals you don’t know. Doing so can mean allowing a scammer remote access to your computer. 

Rule number #2: Never share online banking information or passwords with anyone

If a person gets remote access to your computer and requests your banking information or passwords, don’t give it to them! The chances are that they’re fraudsters and are looking to steal your money or sensitive information.

Detecting a TeamViewer scammer

The more you know about how the TeamViewer scammer work, the better protected you are. So, how can you detect or identify a TeamViewer scammer?

First, the scam actors usually cold call you, requesting access to your computer. They may also send a virus warning or a pop-up message to your computer, asking you to call a certain number. If you see such a thing, don’t fall victim. They are scammers!

You may also use a third-party firm to confirm the authenticity of the tech support specialist. For instance, the Social Catfish uses the reverse name or image search to verify the caller’s authenticity. Their AI system can also search the caller’s number to authenticate them!

What do you do if you get scammed?

Today, the TeamViewer scammers have perfected their art of stealing. They keep changing their tactics from time to time, making it hard to identify them. Some can even mask their identity to appear like real tech specialists. So, what can you do when you get scammed?

Here are four things you should do when you fall victim to the TeamViewer scam:

• Report the fraud to your account provider
• Change the passwords that may have been compromised
• Have your computer system checked by an IT specialist
• Report the scam to the local authorities. 

These measures will help reduce the severity of the situation while protecting you from similar scams.

The bottom line

Avoiding scams is all about having the right information. Social Catfish is here to make sure you have all of the information you need to steer clear of scams. Using a reverse search can give you all of the information you need about the person calling you and tell whether they are someone who can be trusted, or if they are simply a scammer trying to get your sensitive information. Use the search bar below to run your first search today!