Seven AnyDesk scams and tips for spotting scammers

In AnyDesk scams, cybercriminals use legitimate software for illegitimate reasons: to gain remote access to a user’s device and their sensitive data.

IT support agents use AnyDesk to provide remote assistance to customers with computer issues. But in the wrong hands, AnyDesk is a dangerous tool. Scammers posing as tech support can deceive victims into installing AnyDesk, granting them remote access to their victim’s device — as well as the sensitive personal information stored there, like passwords and banking details.

This article will explore common AnyDesk scams, teach you how to recognize them, and explain what to do if you fall for an AnyDesk scam.

What is AnyDesk and is it legit?

AnyDesk is legitimate software, and AnyDesk Americas, Inc., the company that owns it, has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The software is often used by real tech support agents to gain remote access to a user’s device in order to help them with computer-related issues.

AnyDesk is safe provided that the person or organization using it to access your computer is trustworthy.

However, while AnyDesk itself isn’t malicious, beware of so-called “support agents” who contact you out of the blue and claim there’s a problem with your device. Unsolicited tech support contact is a common scam tactic: fraudsters pose as helpful IT experts to gain remote access and steal information or install malware.

Known AnyDesk Scams to watch out for

Scammers use AnyDesk to gain remote access to users’ devices for malicious purposes. Here are some common AnyDesk scams to watch out for.

1. Phishing

Scammers contact victims via text or email, claiming their device is infected. They then instruct them to download AnyDesk so that they can “fix” the problem remotely. Once access is granted, the scammer can view their screen and attempt to obtain sensitive information.

2. Fake job offers

Scammers approach their victims with fake job offers and require them to download AnyDesk in order to work remotely from home or as part of the onboarding process. While many companies legitimately use AnyDesk, unsolicited job offers that require immediate remote access can be a sign of employment-related fraud, particularly if the job offer seems too good to be true.

3. Fake fraud alerts

Scammers send an email or SMS claiming that the victim’s bank account has been compromised. They then ask them to download AnyDesk to secure their funds remotely. Many victims panic and act immediately when they see a fraud alert, thinking their finances are at stake — a classic social engineering trick.

4. Virus alert pop-ups

Scammers can use malicious websites or ads to trigger pop-ups claiming a user’s device is infected with a virus. These pop-ups often mimic system notifications or a trusted antivirus brand.

5. Cryptocurrency scams

Scammers posing as crypto “experts” or investment advisors may offer to guide victims through trading and recommend that they install AnyDesk. No legitimate investment service requires remote access to a personal device. If someone offers to “guide” you through the investing process via AnyDesk, it’s a type of bank scam.

6. Paypal scams

An AnyDesk PayPal scam may start with a message claiming that the victim’s PayPal account has been hacked. It will include a number to call for support, where the scammer will direct the victim to download AnyDesk so they can view sensitive information on their PayPal or other cash app accounts.

7. Amazon scams

Victims receive a message or call claiming there’s suspicious activity on their Amazon account. The scammer asks the victim to download AnyDesk so they can secure their account remotely. This allows the scammer to see the user’s account details, including card information.

How to spot an AnyDesk scammer

Most AnyDesk scams work on the same premise: the scammer contacts the victim and persuades them to download AnyDesk using social engineering techniques. Here’s how you can identify a scammer and stop them in their tracks.

• Unexpected message or phone call. If someone emails, texts, or calls claiming to be tech support and urges you to download AnyDesk to fix a (fictitious) problem on your device, it’s a red flag.
• Claims your device is infected with malware. Legitimate security alerts will come from your operating system or antivirus software, not from random services or software you don’t use.
• Urgent language. Most online scammers use fear tactics and pressure you with deadlines, leaving you little time to think.

You should treat any unexpected request to download AnyDesk as suspicious — and the same goes for any other remote access software. If you’re worried that the issue, job offer, or investment opportunity is real, contact the company via an official channel.

What to do if you fell for an AnyDesk scam

If you fell for an AnyDesk scam, follow these steps to secure your device, protect your personal information, and help mitigate further damage.

• Report the scam. Report the incident to AnyDesk and your financial institutions if information was compromised. You should also report online scams to the Federal Trade Commission and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
• Change your passwords. If you suspect your device has been hacked or you showed any login details on screen, change your password for your email, banking apps, and any other accounts that might have been compromised.
• Run a virus scan. Use an antivirus program to scan for and remove malware.
• Have your device checked by an IT specialist. If you’re worried your device might still be compromised, contact a reputable IT specialist to check for and resolve issues.
• Check your financial accounts. Review your financial apps to ensure there are no unauthorized transactions on your bank, PayPal, crypto, or other accounts. Stay vigilant by monitoring these accounts regularly.
• Check your credit report. Look for unexpected hard inquiries or new lines of credit. Continue to monitor your credit or consider placing a freeze or lock on your file.
• Protect your credit. To help prevent anyone from opening new credit in your name, contact the credit bureaus to lock or freeze your credit.
• Invest in identity theft protection. Invest in identity theft protection to help protect against identity theft and receive alerts about potentially fraudulent use of your personal information.

Protect your personal info with LifeLock

AnyDesk scams and other social engineering attacks can lead to identity theft and a drained bank account. You don’t need to face that risk alone.

LifeLock Standard offers identity and credit monitoring features designed to help alert you to potential signs of identity theft  — like someone taking out a line of credit in your name. And, if your identity is stolen, LifeLock is there to help you recover: you’ll get access to 24/7 live member support from a U.S. based specialist, as well as stolen funds reimbursement and coverage for lawyers and experts for eligible cases.