Victim out almost $60,000 in online scam

Toronto police are warning people about an online scam that has defrauded multiple victims out of thousands of dollars.

Victims of the scam have been coming forward since January, Toronto police told the Star.

One of the victims lost $58,000, police said.

The scammer contacts the victim and tells them they require remote access to the victim’s computer, according to police. Some of the reasons the scammer’s provide include banking security issues, software issues fix, and investment opportunities like cryptocurrency, police said.

The victims are then encouraged to download a free app called “Anydesk,” which gives the scammer remote access to the victim’s computer. The victim is then asked to log into their bank account, and once they do, the scammer withdraws money from the victim’s account.

“Users often have their login information stored inside their web browser. This information auto populates when certain websites are loaded. This allows the scammer unfettered access to their online information,” Toronto police said in a press release. Those who believe they are victims of this scam are encouraged to file a report with their local police department.