Remote access scams

What are remote access scams?

A remote access scam is when a scammer contacts you via phone, text or email claiming to be from a company you may be familiar with - such as your bank, a utility company, telecommunication services (such as NBN), or a government agency.

Scammers often initially sound knowledgeable about the company or product they’re calling you about. They can then become more persistent and claim you are being unreasonable or uncooperative.

Scammers use these techniques to trick people into gaining access to their phone or computer, providing them full access to personal information from a remote location. Scammers may also try and convince you to install software on your computer or device to gain access to your personal and financial information.

What is a remote access scam?

Ever received a call from someone telling you your account has been compromised or an unauthorised transaction has occurred on your account? These so-called professionals are ready to assist, and they just need permission to remotely access your device.

STOP. You are at risk of becoming victim to a remote access scam.

A remote access scam involves someone gaining unauthorised access to your devices using passcodes, pins or 6-digit codes, often provided by unsuspecting victims.

A scammer will contact you via phone, text or email claiming to be from a trusted company like your bank or a software company, your telco or even a government agency.

These scammers will ask you to verify transaction details on your account, request you to download remote access software to aide in resolving the problem. To help legitimise their request they may have gained some access to your personal information via a prior phishing scam or data breech.

They may then tell you that your money needs to be transferred to a safe account using an
app or software. This malicious software is then used to access your devices and your
accounts remotely.

Look out for these warning signs to keep yourself safe:

- Any unsolicited communications that ask you to download apps or software. Bendigo Bank will never ask you to download third-party software or transfer your
money to a safe account.
- Requests to share a one-time passcode, pin or 6-digit code over the phone. Bendigo Bank will never ask you for this information in relation to e-banking.
- Unusual activity on your accounts after clicking links or installing apps or software.

If you think someone has gained control of your devices, contact Bendigo Bank immediately
so we can secure your accounts and try to limit the damage.

Visit bendigobank.com.au/security for more information on staying safe and reporting scams.

How to spot a scam

Be especially wary of calls, text, emails about online banking in which there is a request to:

Download programs or software that allow screen sharing to be enabled.
Reset your password after a recent series of scam attacks.
Purchase a new modem to fix your internet connection.
Update your account or device with new security features.
Provide personal details to verify your account activity.

Remember we will never ask you to transfer funds, send money or ask for your PIN/Password.

How to protect yourself

Never provide a caller with remote access to your computer or phone.
Make sure you complete regular software updates on your devices and ensure that anti-virus software installed on devices is up to date.
Never provide your e-banking security code to anyone - in person, over the phone or online, even if they claim to work for your bank and have personal information about you.
We may call from time to time and ask to verify your identity by asking for your verbal password. However, we will never ask you for any PIN, password or security code relating to your e-banking. If you feel uncomfortable, you can always verify our branch contact details on our website and call us back.
If you do receive an unexpected phone call, text or email about your computer and remote access is requested, hang up or delete the message immediately.

Let us know ASAP if you think you have been the victim of a scam

Report suspicious activity

Things to remember

Never provide your 6-digit e-banking security code to anyone - in person, over the phone or online even if they claim to work for your bank and have personal information about you.
Never provide a caller with remote access to your computer.
We will never ask you for your e-banking PIN, e-banking password or 6-digit e-banking security code.
We will never ask you to login to e-banking via a link sent in an SMS or sent in an email.
We may call from time to time and ask to verify your identity by asking for your verbal password. However, we will never ask you for any PIN, password or security code relating to your e-banking. If you feel uncomfortable, you can always verify our branch contact details on our website and call us back.

View other types of scams