Remote Access Scams

Metro Bank has seen a 10% rise in remote access scams which it has named as its Scam of the Month for March. They usually involve the fraudster making contact and claiming that there may be a problem with your account or computer and they will offer to take control of the device remotely to help.

The Bank is also reporting that since the start of this year, it has seen commercial and business customers with larger account balances being particularly targeted by fraudsters.

Remote Access Scams – unexpected texts or emails including a fraudulent link - defrauded more than 20,000 Brits out of over £50m in the latest report from Action Fraud, the national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. The fraudulent link granted criminals remote access to devices with an average loss of nearly £3,000 (£2,868) per victim.

Metro Bank’s Head of Fraud & Investigations, Baz Thompson, warns:
“Everyone with a UK bank account should be aware of how easily scammers can access your accounts when you click on a fraudulent link.

“Be wary of any request to download software, visit a specific website, or follow instructions which could give someone else control.

“Fraudsters will pose as your bank, utility company and even the police. The most common trick is when they tell you there is a problem with your bank account or device you use to access your account. They will then offer to help you, often requesting you to act quickly and insisting on you giving them access to your device and personal details. No bank will ever request this from you - neither will the police, nor a utility company.

"Alarm bells should be ringing if you get any requests for your personal details including your passcodes and card information or email and passwords, as they’ll use these to access your account and sometimes lock you out.”

How to protect yourself

Hang up immediately if you receive an unexpected call for remote access.
Metro Bank, or any other reputable company, will never contact you unexpectedly asking for remote access to your device or accounts. Nor will the Bank ask you to act quickly.
Never give anyone your personal, payment, or online account details.
If you’re still unsure, call the Bank or the company back on a number you know to be correct. You can use the quick dial 159 number for the Bank or the number on the back of your card. Let them know about the call you received and they’ll be able to confirm whether it was fraudulent.