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
'A beautiful soul': Funeral held for baby boy killed in wrong-way crash on Highway 401
A funeral was held on Wednesday for a three-month-old boy who died after being involved in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby last week.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
Biden says he will stop sending bombs and artillery shells to Israel if they launch major invasion of Rafah
U.S. President Joe Biden said for the first time Wednesday he would halt shipments of American weapons to Israel, which he acknowledged have been used to kill civilians in Gaza, if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders a major invasion of the city of Rafah.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Quebec premier defends new museum on Quebecois nation after Indigenous criticism
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is defending his comments about a new history museum after he was accused by a prominent First Nations group of trying to erase their history.
B.C. theatre to pay $55K to neurodivergent actor in discrimination case
British Columbia's human rights tribunal has awarded a neurodigergent actor, who was diagnosed with sensory and learning disorders, more than $55,000 after finding that a Kelowna theatre company discriminated against him because of his disabilities.
Who's responsible for regulating cannabis stores operating under the sovereignty banner?
It's not quite clear who is supposed to be regulating so-called sovereign cannabis stores or even ensure they're benefiting Indigenous communities.