Bank helpdesk fraud

Stay up to date with the latest measures from the financial sector

3 min Reading time

In the case of bank helpdesk fraud, scammers pretend to be an employee of your bank and contact you by phone. They ask you to share your computer screen and to provide your personal codes, because suspicious transactions have supposedly been detected on your account. This way, the scammers are able to make transfers from your account and steal big amounts of money. So be on your guard!

 

How does it happen? 

 

The scammers want to gain access into your computer and always operate in the same way. They ask you to connect to the internet. Afterwards, you are prompted to install software such as Anydesk or Teamviewer, so they can take over your screen. In this way, the scammer has the full control of your computer and decides what you can(not) see. Furthermore, the fake employee also asks for your personal codes. While you are carrying out his/her instructions, thinking that the ‘bank employee’ is assisting you, he/she is in fact able to make online transfers from your account.

How do you recognise this type of fraud?

 

If you receive a call from an employee of the helpdesk of your bank, asking you to share your screen and personal codes, never carry out these instructions and end the call immediately! A bank will never ask you to install software so they can take over your screen remotely or to provide your personal codes.

Be vigilant and join the fight against online fraud. Inform your colleagues, friends or employees and don’t give fraudsters a chance to make any more victims.

Got scammed? 

 

If you are lured into the trap, you need to act quickly:

  • End the call as soon as possible
  • Contact the bank as soon as possible. Your bank is available 24/7 via special fraud numbers to report online fraud. You can find a list of contact points here (website in Dutch/French). 
  • Notify Card Stop (078 170 170) 
  • File a complaint with the police