Remote desktop takeover scam tricking people into giving up personal details. Here's how to avoid it
Toronto police are warning people about an ongoing "remote desktop takeover" scam that is leading to hackers being able to access your personal information and steal money.
Police said they have been contacted by victims who were tricked into allowing scammers access to their computers remotely.
It appears the scammers are contacting people telling them about a bank security issue, software fix, investment opportunity, or asset recovery.
The victim is encouraged by the scammers to download a free app called Anydesk, which allows the scammer to remotely access your computer.
The victim is then asked to log into their bank or investment account. The scammer then uses this opportunity to withdraw assets from your account, police say.
Police said since people often have their login information stored inside their web browser, the scammers are able to see it when certain websites are loaded.
This allows the scammer unfettered access to the victim's online information, police say.
The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of the existence of this scam and urge people to take precautions to protect their assets and sensitive materials stored on their computers.
Victims are encouraged to file a report with their local police department, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Anything to win': Trudeau says as Poilievre defends meeting protesters
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is accusing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre of welcoming 'the support of conspiracy theorists and extremists,' after the Conservative leader was photographed meeting with protesters, which his office has defended.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
7 surveillance videos linked to extortions of South Asian home builders in Edmonton released
The Edmonton Police Service has released a number of surveillance videos related to a series of extortion cases in the city now dubbed 'Project Gaslight.'
Ukraine uses long-range missiles secretly provided by U.S. to hit Russian-held areas, officials say
Ukraine for the first time has begun using long-range ballistic missiles provided secretly by the United States, bombing a Russian military airfield in Crimea last week and Russian forces in another occupied area overnight, American officials said Wednesday.
Pilot reported fire onboard plane carrying fuel, attempted to return to Fairbanks just before crash
One of the two pilots aboard an airplane carrying fuel reported there was a fire on the airplane shortly before it crashed and burned outside Fairbanks, killing both people on board, a federal aviation official said Wednesday.
BREAKING Manitoba government tables bill to end ban on homegrown recreational cannabis
Manitoba is planning to lift its ban on the home growing of recreational cannabis.
All Alberta wildfires to date in 2024 believed to be human-caused: province
There are 63 wildfires burning in Alberta's forest protection area as of Wednesday morning and seven mutual aid fires, including one in the Municipal District of Peace.