The first scammer asked me to use my mobile phone to visit the App Store and download the AnyDesk app. I always try and keep them on the line as long as possible so I play along, up to a point. This last week two scammers have rung my landline. The software isn’t inherently dangerous, I’ve used it successfully and safely with (genuine) IT support. You can also chat by email and agree a codeword so that you know it’s really them etc. The software can be used legitimately of course, eg if you contact your work IT’s helpdesk they may suggest the same – the difference is that you contacted them first. Suggested warning: “ Have you been asked to download this software by someone you don’t know? It could be a scam.

Broadband providers could play a role – according to Wikipedia TalkTalk used to block Teamviewer (and others) until it added a warning on its page (though there’s currently no warning that I can see).

Perhaps browsers could alert people before taking them to the page.(I’m amazed that they don’t already do this. Companies that provide remote desktop-sharing software or apps should state very prominently on the front page that you should be very cautious if a stranger has directed you there to download their software, an example is below.People lose money from this – they may, if lucky, get some back, but it’s stressful.

If a stranger has telephoned out of the blue to ask you to download this it is always a scam, don’t download it, don’t give them any access code, best to hang up. This software lets them connect directly to your computer or phone. Phone scammers want to trick you into downloading remote desktop-sharing software. Summary: companies that make software which lets people connect to your computer could do more to warn people about the risks from doing this.

Anydesk scams