Urgent warning over elaborate internet scam that allows hackers to take over your computer – here’s the code you should NEVER enter
- Police alerted individuals to calls from scammers imitating internet providers
- The scammers claim a person’s internet is corrupt and provide a code to enter
- Police say entering dangerous code enables device to be accessed remotely
- Individuals must hang up the call immediately and disconnect remote session
- People are also asked to report the scam to the ACCC Scamwatch website
An urgent warning has been issued over an elaborate internet scam that allows hackers to take over your computer after you’re fooled into entering an eight-digit code.
NSW Police announced on Wednesday morning that individuals need to be cautious over calls from scammers impersonating internet providers.
The scammers claim that a person’s internet has been corrupted before asking them to enter the code ‘EVENTVWR’.
NSW Police issued a warning about scammers impersonating internet providers who claim a person’s internet is corrupted and the code ‘EVENTVWR’ needs to be entered to fix the issue
Event Viewer is a tool in a Windows computer that displays comprehensive information about important events on the computer such as errors, information messages and warnings.
Police say that entering the dangerous code enables the device to be accessed remotely.
Scammers are then given the ability to install malicious software on the device or steal personal and financial details from the computer.
Police have urged individuals to be wary and hang up the call if a scammer claiming to be a ‘support agent’ prompts them to enter the code.
If a person has already entered the code, the remote session must be disconnected immediately.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has reported that scammers had stolen over $7.2million from Australians this year until July by gaining access to home computers.
Police have urged individuals to hang up the call if a scammer imitating a ‘support agent’ prompts them to enter the code (stock image)
This is an increase of 184 per cent compared to the same period last year.
The ACCC Scamwatch also noted that nearly 6,500 Australians had reported phone calls from scammers trying to convince them to download software that gives access to computers and their financial details.
Police have asked individuals to report the elaborate internet scam to the ACCC Scamwatch website.
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