Stay in control of your digital gadgets – don't let the scammers in

“By talking the victim into allowing them access to their device, the scammers gain full controll – both over what is displayed on screen, and what goes on in the background,” says Amalia Krantz, fraud expert at Nordea.

Social manipulation fraud cases are growing and the methods used are becoming ever more sophisticated. One recurring method is remote control fraud, where the victim is persuaded to install an application on their computer or phone, thereby giving the scammer control of their device.

Once in control, the scammer uses multiple screens to display one thing on the victim’s screen, while performing illicit actions on another screen that the user cannot see. This allows them to deceive the victim by displaying falsified data or trick them into signing one agreement while another displayed on screen.

Never install software on request from an external party

Using a creative narrative the scammers make users think that they are talking to for instance their bank, the police or an authority. The user is urged to install an application to help them navigate a website or remove an alleged virus on their computer.

“Nordea will never request control of your computer in order to help you do something. Nor will any other serious player, so you must never let an unknown party in, or relinquish control over your computer or phone,” says Amalia Krantz.

If asked to install an application – hang up

The scammers often seem very trustworthy and they are experts at persuasion. They will convince you that they’re just trying to help you when they ask you to install the application.

“Hang up right away – the longer you stay on the line with the scammer, the greater the risk of walking into their trap. Don't give them the opportunity, just hang up – and don’t be afraid to seem rude.”