how to detect it and how to avoid it

The number of complaints regarding a new type of virtual scam in the province of Neuquén, called “TeamViewer Scam”, grew. The first cases in the country were detected in Córdoba and Buenos Aires. Find out the details of this modality to avoid falling into one of them and what to do in case it happens.

Commissioner Martín Van De Genachte, from the Police Economic Crimes Department, explained to RÍO NEGRO the details regarding how fraudsters can access cell phones and seize contacts, photos, as well as access virtual wallets or security applications. homebanking that we have there.

So far there are six cases reported, although it is not ruled out that there are more complaints in some police unit, which will later arrive as files to the department. He explained that there are cases where they took 500,000 pesos, in another 300,000 and they have even requested loans that are later transferred to another virtual wallet.

In Neuquén, the first case was reported in the last days of December, while the others were in January. The commissioner explained that they maintain contact with other police forces, from Córdoba and Buenos Aires, who had already told them regarding this new modality that was registered.

He also commented that when they interviewed the victims, they all told them that “the cell phone managed itself, which is literally what can be done with this application,” adding that the people who carry out these scams can be anywhere. and not necessarily in Neuquén.

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What is the Team Viewer app all regarding

The commissioner explained that this application can be downloaded from the PlayStore on any cell phone. “It is an application that companies use to access a mobile device remotely. That is its purpose” In addition to it, there are others with the same function but with a different name.

He added that, with this app, one can access another person’s cell phone, work there and release it once more. However, “all this happens with the consent of the other party because they have to give you an access code”

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How is the new type of scam and how to avoid it

Van De Genachte explained that it all starts with a phone call where people pretend to be well-known companies, such as a supermarket or a card, and they tell you that you have won a prize. “This is the first mistake, because if you didn’t participate in a raffle you can’t win anything,” he explained, although some people still agree.

After that, they send you a link that takes you to the mobile PlayStore to download the TeamViewer application and they ask you to send the activation code, under the idea that with that they validate the withdrawal of the prize at the branch. However, once you provide that code “you are literally giving them the phone,” said the commissioner, and explained that with that they enter your device, managed from another, and access photos, contacts, virtual wallets and everything that you have on your cell phone.

Although there are some applications that, as a security measure, close on their own as the hours go by, there are others that do not and the sessions started with their passwords remain. Some applications also have the fingerprint option, as a security measure.

The commissioner explained what to do in case of being scammed. “The first recommendation is not to provide the number because with that they enter your phone” In the event that it happens, he explained that it must be turned off immediately since in this way the connection is disconnected. “In order for people to access it once more, a new code must be generated”, so they will not be able to access it once more unless that number is also provided.

He also explained that if you don’t use that app for work, it can be uninstalled. The complaint can be made in any police unit.

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