Consumers force banks to refund their accounts, although they're the ones who fell victim to computer takeover scams. Nowadays, cybercriminals became rampant ever since the global pandemic started.
An Afghan woman uses a computer at the Park Residence Internet Cafe on January 20, 2003 in Kabul, Afghanistan. The Internet cafe opened 40 days ago and already is doing a booming business with foreigners and Afghans alike. It claims to be the first privately owned Internet cafe in Afghanistan.
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Users' bank accounts are usually their target, especially those people who have a huge amount of money stored. Scams usually become successful if the victims believe the information or the things they offer.
However, although their misfortunes are their doings, a consumer rights group wants banks to refund more consumers, even if computer scam is the cause.
According to Metro UK's latest report, around $20 million or £16 million is lost because of the fraudsters.
Hackers pretend to be Microsoft's tech support
The perpetrators, who extracted millions of dollars from different bank accounts, were reportedly pretending to be tech support from Microsoft or BT. To fool their victims, they persuade them to install remote access software.
OCTOBER 28: Abigail Previlon, 13, takes part in remote distance learning on a Chromebook with the help of her mother Carlene at home on October 28, 2020 in Stamford, Connecticut. Previlon is hearing impaired and has a translator for in-class learning and while distance learning on a Chromebook. Students with special needs have additional educational challenges due to the Coronavirus pandemic. A first generation American citizen with Haitian parents, Previlon is fluent in four languages, including English, French, Creole, and sign. Stamford Public Schools is currently using a hybrid educational model due to the Coronavirus pandemic, with a combination of in-class and distance learning.
These allow them to steal money and personal details from the bank accounts. Many legitimate IT professionals also use the software. Although this is the case, the consumer said that the banks refused to provide reimbursement since they're the ones who authorized the payments.
Avoiding computer scams
Computer scams are one of the most common fraudulent acts. However, these can still be avoided. Bank Of America reported that people should not access text, email, or even answer a call if they're not 100% sure it is legitimate.Consumers should also avoid trusting caller ID since it can easily be faked by hackers or other people with great IT skills.
Avoid providing your personal information unless you're sure that the person contacting you or the link you're going to access can be trusted.
For more news updates about computer scams or other fraudulent acts, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
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Written by:Â Giuliano de Leon.