Remote fraudsters convince victims to install a remote access application to gain control over their phone or computer. This was reported to TASS by the press service of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for Moscow.

Attackers call under the pretext of a program update or antivirus installation. They ask to install an application that gives full access to the device, or to provide an ID number. Such programs are developed in large numbers and are convenient for remote access to a home computer, which fraudsters exploit.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs urged not to fulfill requests from strangers to install a program or provide an ID. Once access is obtained, the attackers dispose of the device at their discretion — stealing money and personal data. Remote access applications are legal, but they are used for criminal purposes.