Could You Have Fallen Victim to AnyDesk Tech Support Scams?

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Not all AnyDesk calls are legitimate. Find out how to identify scams with this helpful guide
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Did you know that AnyDesk is a piece of legitimate software that scammers sometimes use maliciously? Although it's a great tool for tech support within organizations and businesses, scammers use the tool to access your private information with malintent. Read on to learn more about AnyDesk's security risks and what to do if you're the victim of a scam.

What Is AnyDesk & Scam Usage

Although the software is a tool for professionals, organizations, and businesses to remotely access other devices, scammers use it to steal information from people. You can get calls, emails, or texts that your bank account is compromised or your device is infected and you're instructed to install AnyDesk so you can get technical support. But don't give out your AnyDesk access code to people you don't know or you risk falling victim to a scam.

Section 1 of 4:

Is AnyDesk Safe to Download and Use?

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  1. AnyDesk is legit software that tech support utilizes to take control of another device in the business or organization to troubleshoot and solve tech issues; [1] However, many scammers use this software to steal money from you.
    • Since AnyDesk exposes your personal information, like your passwords, banking information, and other sensitive information, it's not safe to download and use unless you aren't using your own device (like in a business) or if you trust the other party.
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Section 2 of 4:

Bottom Line for Using AnyDesk

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  1. Unless the device is used in an organization and the IT department is using AnyDesk, don't download and use the software.
Section 3 of 4:

Common Scams Using AnyDesk

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  1. You might get emails or texts from major brands (think Microsoft, Amazon, and Apple) that your device has a problem and you need to download AnyDesk so they can fix it.
    • These texts or emails can claim that your phone, tablet, or computer has any number of viruses or malware detected.
    • Scammers sometimes use real tech support numbers so Googling the number doesn't immediately let you know it's a fake number or a scam.
    • If you're not sure if the text or email is real, go to the company's site that contacted you, like https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ if the text or email is from Microsoft, call their fraud department, explain what happened, and ask how to proceed to avoid becoming the victim of a cybercrime . They will let you know if the text or email was legitimate or a scam.
  2. You'll see listings of WFH jobs and the recruiter asks that candidates download AnyDesk as a part of the hiring process.
    • The job offer is an immediate red flag (might be fake) if they say that they saw your resume from a staffing agency that you don't recognize.
    • If the recruiter says they found your resume on social media, consider how much of your resume is online and if you've posted about a new resume at all. They might be honest or completely lying.
    • Since AnyDesk does offer software for companies providing work-at-home positions, you want to ask as many questions as possible about your job duties to see if the job offer is legit. Fake job offers usually are vague about what the position includes. A real recruiter should be able to answer all your questions about the job and responsibilities.
  3. Scammers rely on the threat of losing money to motivate you into doing something compromising. In this scenario, you'll get an email or text that claims your bank account has been compromised and they'll convince you to download AnyDesk to protect your money.
    • Use another device to log into your bank directly. You can use the official app or official site for your bank to check your account; any issues with your account will show up here.
    • All banks employ fraud specialists so you can report the suspicious activity. You can even talk to a fraud specialist to see if the text or email is legit or not if you're unsure.
  4. We all know data breaches happen and some of us have data-breach alerts with credit checkers (like Credit Karma ), credit cards (like Capital One), and security suites (like AT&T's Active Armor). Scammers will use this well-known information to get in touch with you to "protect your private information" with the help of AnyDesk.
    • Protect yourself from these scammers by knowing when your data was leaked so you aren't tricked into a scam.
    • These warnings can mimic the tech support approach where the scammer needs to access your computer with AnyDesk to remotely "protect" your leaked information.
  5. Something very similar is making people think that McAfee is a scamming anti-malware service , but allowing websites to send you notifications is the real culprit.
  6. Scammers want the promise of earning money to trick you into compromising your information. They request for you to download AnyDesk so they can help you make, invest, or trade money or Bitcoin.
    • Legitimate investment firms avoid AnyDesk since it compromises information.
    • If you are looking to invest or trade money, only trust registered investment advisors with contracts. Under U.S law, people without registration are prohibited to handle other peoples' money.
  7. Scammers will send you fake invoices or bills, then use AnyDesk to steal more money from you as they claim they are protecting your bank account from the fake invoices/bills.
    • If the bill or invoice is sent to your PayPal account , you can log into the mobile app and report it as a scam .
    • Search online for a number to call the company that sent you the bill or invoice and find their number to call (don't call the number on the invoice or bill as it is a scam number that won't help you). Once you call, ask about the service and if the charge is legitimate.
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Section 4 of 4:

Steps to Take If Scammers Have Remote Access

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  1. Take the SIM card out of your Android or iOS smartphone or tablet, and turn off Wi-Fi to disable your Internet access on all your devices with AnyDesk.
    • Anyone with your access code in AnyDesk cannot remote access your phone, tablet, or computer as long as you remain offline.
  2. The first thing scammers look for when they remotely access your device are passwords. You don't want to use the compromised device to change your passwords since you'll need to enable an internet connection again.
    • Use another device to change all your passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever you can.
  3. Boot your phone, tablet, Windows , or Mac in Safe Mode so you can uninstall apps without accessing the internet.
    • The buttons you need to press while the device is turning on varies depending on what you're using as well as the manufacturer. Check online or in your owner's manual to learn what buttons you press as the computer, phone, or tablet, turns on to prompt Safe Mode to boot.
    • Once you're in Safe Mode, you can safely uninstall AnyDesk. Also check to see if there are any installed programs or apps that you don't recognize and uninstall them as well.
    • Exit Safe Mode by restarting your device without pressing any buttons. After the reset, run Windows Defender or any anti-malware tool to see if any malware exists that you need to get rid of.
  4. This includes Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. If the scammers manage to get your information, they can open fraudulent accounts or take out loans under your name that, if you don't freeze your account, will affect your credit score.
    • New accounts or actions taken under your name will not affect your scores, so freezing your credit is the best defensive move you can make.
  5. Scammers with your information can access your bank account and any credit cards you have through that bank, so you should cancel your cards to be issued new ones.
    • In this case, the scammers have the old information, which won't work to get them access to your money.
  6. Go to https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/ and click Report Now to submit a report. If you think your identity was stolen as a result of this AnyDesk scam, report it at https://www.identitytheft.gov/ .
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I recover the money that's lost in the scam?
    Steven Kibbel
    Certified Financial Planner
    Steven Kibbel is a Certified Financial Planner and Founder of Kibbel Financial Planning based in Franklin, Tennessee. With over a decade of experience, Steven is passionate about empowering people to take charge of their financial future by offering comprehensive financial planning services, including cash flow planning, investment planning, and retirement planning. He is also a Chartered Financial Consultant, a Real Estate Affiliate Broker, and the author of several children’s books focused on teaching financial literacy. Steven has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Middle Tennessee State University.
    Steven Kibbel
    Certified Financial Planner
    Expert Answer
    Recovering money lost to a scam can be tough, but it’s not always impossible. The key is to act quickly. If you think you’ve been scammed, contact your bank, credit card company, or the payment service you used (like Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal) right away. Most financial institutions have fraud departments that can investigate and, in some cases, reverse the transaction if you report it in time. If the scam involved a credit card charge, it’s often easier to resolve because the card issuer can dispute the charge, reverse it, and issue you a new card to prevent further fraud. However, if the money was wired or sent directly to someone, especially overseas, the chances of getting it back are much lower.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://anydesk.com/en/abuse-prevention

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