Anydesk Amazon Scam and Remote Access - Beware

Scammers are contacting potential victims claiming to be from Amazon, Apple, or Microsoft, asking them to download the Anydesk app to give them remote access to their computers. But, Amazon will never ask its customers to give them remote access to their computers. Therefore, if you are contacted out of the blue and asked to download the Anydesk app, do not.

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Anydesk Amazon Scam and Remote Access - Beware

How the Anydesk Amazon Scam Work

Potential victims will be contacted by scammers pretending to be from Amazon, Apple, or Microsoft and told that their iPhone or account has been hacked. The scammers will then claim they need to access their potential victim's smartphone or computer.

The scammers will ask their potential victims to download and install Anydesk, a legit app used to remotely access a smartphone or computer. They will then be asked by the scammers to open the app and give them the remote access key. If this is done, the scammers will gain remote access to their device. With remote access, they will be able to steal account credentials, personal and financial information, which they will use fraudulently. They may also use their potential victims' devices to commit other cybercrimes.

If you were tricked by the Anydesk Amazon scam, please change the password for all your accounts and check and report fraudulent transactions.

Check the comment section below for additional information, share what you know, or ask a question about this article by leaving a comment below. And, to quickly find answers to your questions, use our search Search engine.

Note: Some of the information in samples on this website may have been impersonated or spoofed.

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Comments, Questions, Answers, or Reviews

Comments (Total: 12)

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October 21, 2022 at 12:20 AM by
Anydesk Amazon Scam and Remote Access - Beware
an anonymous user from: West Town, Chicago, Illinois, United States

My mom had this happen to her today. Only $170 was taken, thank goodness. There needs to be more news on this type of scams. Just know this could happen to anyone and to not beat yourself up.

Delete

August 3, 2022 at 4:09 PM by
Anydesk Amazon Scam and Remote Access - Beware
an anonymous user from: Louisville, Kentucky, United States

It’s hard to explain how these scammers are able to manipulate. They do things rapid fire all the while telling you it’s going to “fix” the problem. I’ve removed the Any Desk app, cancelled cards, changed every password, locked accounts. Humiliating experience.

Delete

June 14, 2022 at 6:56 PM by
Anydesk Amazon Scam and Remote Access - Beware
an anonymous user from: Downtown, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States

I have uninstalled AnyDesk, but it keeps reloading itself. How can I prevent that?

Delete

June 2, 2022 at 5:29 PM by
Anydesk Amazon Scam and Remote Access - Beware
an anonymous user from: Quincy, Massachusetts, United States

Yep just got the text and called the number. The moment he said anydesk and I saw it was something where he could remote into my phone I hung up. Be careful!

Delete

June 2, 2022 at 11:45 AM by
Anydesk Amazon Scam and Remote Access - Beware
an anonymous user from: University Heights, San Diego, California, United States

I downloaded AnyDesk after speaking with someone who I thought was from Norton Antivirus. Once they got remote access to my desktop computer they wanted me to log in to my online banking and that's when I woke up to the scam that was going on. The person on the phone had already changed my password on my computer and shut me down when I wouldn't log in to my bank. Their phone number is 1.888.721.2993

Delete

April 19, 2022 at 7:01 PM by
Anydesk Amazon Scam and Remote Access - Beware
an anonymous user from: Hawthorne, California, United States

I was contacted today about a possible fraudulent purchase on my amazon account. They ask to remotely log into my device with anydesk app. I installed the app and continued with the questions and answers. I didn't feel right about any of it but continued. After being taken for 1400.00, I realized this isn't right. Hung up and did a search for Amazon and anydesk app. Wish I would have done that 1st. Now I need to go change all my account and close a few as well. Don't let this happen to you.

Delete

August 3, 2022 at 3:47 PM by
Anydesk Amazon Scam and Remote Access - Beware
an anonymous user from: Louisville, Kentucky, United States

This happened to me too. I ran into a glitch installing an Amazon device on my TV that required a code. I used my iPad to get the code but it didn’t work. I was then prompted to call the tech support on the screen. Thought I was talking to Amazon.

Delete

March 24, 2022 at 12:27 PM by
Anydesk Amazon Scam and Remote Access - Beware
an anonymous user from: Sciota Township, Laingsburg, Michigan, United States

Just today, I recieved a text from a supposed Amazon contact informing me that $497 was going to be charged to my Visa. Had an order number and a callback number included. I did call the number and got some guy in India or somewhere who informed me that my account was being used in several states. He confirmed my name correctly and then informed me he was hereto help me and stated he was definitely from Amazon when I hesitated. He then directed me to the Google playstore and wanted me to download the Anydesk app. As soon as I read what this app actually does( it gives remote access to your phone computer,etc) I then informed him that I would not be downloading this app on my phone and then hung up on him.I assumed it was a scam and checked my Amazon a countand all credt,debit cards for suspicious activity andso far have found none. I am fortunate to be aware of the potential for scams but people,PLEASE donot fall for questionable texts,emails, or phone calls.

Delete

March 23, 2022 at 8:31 AM by
Anydesk Amazon Scam and Remote Access - Beware
an anonymous user from: Hotchkiss, Colorado, United States

I called what I thought was an Amazon tech support number because I was unable to cancel a tv subscription. I was told that due to Covid, security was tightened and therefore unsubscribing required downloading Anydesk. I downloaded the app, but the call didn’t seem right and luckily I had trouble opening the app, and I ended the call, did the research, and learned that in fact, it was a scam. Why can’t these people get lives and do ethical things with their time on earth? Anyway, I deleted the app, which never made it into my phone, went directly to my bank and cancelled my card, then changed all my passwords. Beware! Normally I’m not this stupid, but some tv subscriptions make it very difficult to unsubscribe, and by the time I searched for the Amazon help, I was exasperated and vulnerable. Please don’t let this happen to you.

Delete

February 4, 2022 at 5:43 AM by
Anydesk Amazon Scam and Remote Access - Beware
an anonymous user from: E2, London, England, United Kingdom

I just had the same call! odd thought I actually got a code through claiming it was from Amazon. Very Clever - but scary - luckily I googled it and found it to be fraud

Delete

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Online Threat Alerts Security Tips

Pay the safest way

Credit cards are the safest way to pay for online purchases because you can dispute the charges if you never get the goods or services or if the offer was misrepresented. Federal law limits your liability to $50 if someone makes unauthorized charges to your account, and most credit card issuers will remove them completely if you report the problem promptly.

Guard your personal information

In any transaction you conduct, make sure to check with your state or local consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the seller, charity, company, or organization is credible. Be especially wary if the entity is unfamiliar to you. Always call the number found on a website’s contact information to make sure the number legitimately belongs to the entity you are dealing with.

Be careful of the information you share

Never give out your codes, passwords or personal information, unless you are sure of who you're dealing with

Know who you’re dealing with

Crooks pretending to be from companies you do business with may call or send an email, claiming they need to verify your personal information. Don’t provide your credit card or bank account number unless you are actually paying for something and know who you are sending payment to. Your social security number should not be necessary unless you are applying for credit. Be especially suspicious if someone claiming to be from a company with whom you have an account asks for information that the business already has.

Check your accounts

Regularly check your account transactions and report any suspicious or unauthorised transactions.

Don’t believe promises of easy money

If someone claims that you can earn money with little or no work, get a loan or credit card even if you have bad credit, or make money on an investment with little or no risk, it’s probably a scam. Oftentimes, offers that seem too good to be true, actually are too good to be true.

Do not open email from people you don’t know

If you are unsure whether an email you received is legitimate, try contacting the sender directly via other means. Do not click on any links in an email unless you are sure it is safe.

Think before you click

If an email or text message looks suspicious, don’t open any attachments or click on the links.

Verify urgent requests or unsolicited emails, messages or phone calls before you respond

If you receive a message or a phone call asking for immediate action and don't know the sender, it could be a phishing message.

Be careful with links and new website addresses

Malicious website addresses may appear almost identical to legitimate sites. Scammers often use a slight variation in spelling or logo to lure you. Malicious links can also come from friends whose email has unknowingly been compromised, so be careful.

Secure your personal information

Before providing any personal information, such as your date of birth, Social Security number, account numbers, and passwords, be sure the website is secure.

Stay informed on the latest cyber threats

Keep yourself up to date on current scams by visiting this website daily.

Use Strong Passwords

Strong passwords are critical to online security.

Keep your software up to date and maintain preventative software programs

Keep all of your software applications up to date on your computers and mobile devices. Install software that provides antivirus, firewall, and email filter services.

Update the operating systems on your electronic devices

Make sure your operating systems (OSs) and applications are up to date on all of your electronic devices. Older and unpatched versions of OSs and software are the target of many hacks. Read the CISA security tip on Understanding Patches and Software Updates for more information.

What if You Got Scammed?

Stop Contact With The Scammer

Hang up the phone. Do not reply to emails, messages, or letters that the scammer sends. Do not make any more payments to the scammer. Beware of additional scammers who may contact you claiming they can help you get your lost money back.

Secure Your Finances

  • Report potentially compromised bank account, credit or debit card information to your financial institution(s) immediately. They may be able to cancel or reverse fraudulent transactions.
  • Notify the three major credit bureaus. They can add a fraud alert to warn potential credit grantors that you may be a victim of identity theft. You may also want to consider placing a free security freeze on your credit report. Doing so prevents lenders and others from accessing your credit report entirely, which will prevent them from extending credit:

Check Your Computer

If your computer was accessed or otherwise affected by a scam, check to make sure that your anti-virus is up-to-date and running and that your system is free of malware and keylogging software. You may also need to seek the help of a computer repair company. Consider utilizing the Better Business Bureau’s website to find a reputable company.

Change Your Account Passwords

Update your bank, credit card, social media, and email account passwords to try to limit further unauthorized access. Make sure to choose strong passwords when changing account passwords.

Report The Scam

Reporting helps protect others. While agencies can’t always track down perpetrators of crimes against scammers, they can utilize the information gathered to record patterns of abuse which may lead to action being taken against a company or industry.

Report your issue to the following agencies based on the nature of the scam:

  • Local Law Enforcement: Consumers are encouraged to report scams to their local police department or sheriff’s office, especially if you lost money or property or had your identity compromised.
  • Federal Trade Commission: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or use the Online Complaint Assistant to report various types of fraud, including counterfeit checks, lottery or sweepstakes scams, and more.
  • Identitytheft.gov: If someone is using your personal information, like your Social Security, credit card, or bank account number, to open new accounts, make purchases, or get a tax refund, report it at www.identitytheft.gov. This federal government site will also help you create your Identity Theft Report and a personal recovery plan based on your situation. Questions can be directed to 877-ID THEFT.

How To Recognize a Phishing Scam

Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could get access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers. Scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day — and they’re often successful.

Scammers often update their tactics to keep up with the latest news or trends, but here are some common tactics used in phishing emails or text messages:

Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. You might get an unexpected email or text message that looks like it’s from a company you know or trust, like a bank or a credit card or utility company. Or maybe it’s from an online payment website or app. The message could be from a scammer, who might

  • say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts — they haven’t
  • claim there’s a problem with your account or your payment information — there isn’t
  • say you need to confirm some personal or financial information — you don’t
  • include an invoice you don’t recognize — it’s fake
  • want you to click on a link to make a payment — but the link has malware
  • say you’re eligible to register for a government refund — it’s a scam
  • offer a coupon for free stuff — it’s not real

About Online Threat Alerts (OTA)

Online Threat Alerts or OTA is an anti-cybercrime community that started in 2012. OTA alerts the public to cyber crimes and other web threats.

By alerting the public, we have prevented a lot of online users from getting scammed or becoming victims of cybercrimes.

With the ever-increasing number of people going online, it important to have a community like OTA that continuously alerts or protects those same people from cyber-criminals, scammers and hackers, who are every day finding new ways of carrying out their malicious activities.

Online users can help by reporting suspicious or malicious messages or websites to OTA. And, if they want to determine if a message or website is a threat or scam, they can use OTA's search engine to search for the website or parts of the message for information.

Help maintain Online Threat Alerts (OTA).

Anydesk Amazon Scam and Remote Access - Beware