POLICE are warning about the latest scams attempting to steal money from Worcestershire residents.

West Mercia Police say members of the public have been called by scammers using Anydesk and Facebook Marketplace.

In the first scam a victim is called and asked to download the Anydesk software.

Police stress this a completely secure tool that is intended to allow an IT expert to work remotely on a computer without being on site.

But the scammers ask the victim to download AnyDesk so they can access the computer or mobile phone to get personal details and bank details.

 

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Police say: "If anyone cold calls you and asks you to download AnyDesk you are advised not to respond and hang up on the caller. They could use this software to steal your money."

Anyone who has fallen victim and given scammers access to a computer should end the call, disconnect the AnyDesk session, switch the device off and unplug the Wifi router.

Banks should also be told and the crime reported to Action Fraud. When the device is switched back on it is advised to remove AnyDesk, and any other apps the scammer has added. Passwords should also be changed.

Meanwhile police says there have also be reports of Facebook Marketplace being used by fraudulent purchasers.

In that scam the seller will list something for sale, and the purchaser will make contact with the victim enquiring about the item.

They then ask for that item to be sent by special delivery, the purchaser telling the victim they will offer to send the money through PayPal.

A fake email is then sent out to the victim, claiming to be PayPal, requesting a tracking number before the money can go into the victim’s account.

Police stress: "Do not send a tracking number until you are absolutely certain you have received the funds.

"In reality, the suspect has not paid the victim for the item.

"You will never be asked for a tracking number from PayPal before the money can be credited into your account."

Police add the scam results in the victim being at loss both for the item sent and the money they should have received from the sale of that item.

For more visit actionfraud.police.uk.