Garages have been warned after an increasing number of businesses have fallen victim to an online banking scam.
These affected firms are being contacted by someone who claims to be a representative of their bank.
They are then asked to log in to their account after installing a piece of software, claimed to be an important update. This means that the fraudster has remote access to their computer.
Once the victim has done this, the remote access software is used to blur the victim’s screen whilst the scammer makes fraudulent transactions from the victim’s account without their knowledge.
The victim is also asked to read out a series of numbers the scammer claims they have sent to the victim’s mobile – these are, in reality, one-time verification codes used to complete the transactions.
Now the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has called on businesses to remain vigilant.
The CTSI says the goal of the scammers usually remains the same – to convince victims to login to their online banking account whilst the scammer has remote access to their computer.
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) said: “If you receive a similar call, you can contact your bank with the number on the back of your card to confirm that it is a scam, report it to your local police department, or contact Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or filling in an online report via their website here.
“Please also let the IGA know if you have been targeted by this scam so we can make other members aware, by calling the IGA Direct Member Helpline on 01788 225 908 or emailing enquiries@rmif.co.uk.”
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