Is AnyDesk Safe to Download and Use?
AnyDesk doesn't give anyone access without a code. AnyDesk is legit software that tech support utilizes to take control of another device in the business or organization to troubleshoot and solve tech issues; However, many scammers use this software to steal money from you. Since AnyDesk exposes your personal information, like your passwords, banking information, and other sensitive information, it's not safe to download and use unless you aren't using your own device (like in a business) or if you trust the other party.
Bottom Line for Using AnyDesk
Don't give anyone you don't know access to your devices. Unless the device is used in an organization and the IT department is using AnyDesk, don't download and use the software.
Common Scams Using AnyDesk
Phishing messages from fake tech support agents. You might get emails or texts from major brands (think Microsoft, Amazon, and Apple) that your device has a problem and you need to download AnyDesk so they can fix it. These texts or emails can claim that your phone, tablet, or computer has any number of viruses or malware detected. Scammers sometimes use real tech support numbers so Googling the number doesn't immediately let you know it's a fake number or a scam. If you're not sure if the text or email is real, go to the company's site that contacted you, like https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ if the text or email is from Microsoft, call their fraud department, explain what happened, and ask how to proceed to [Avoid-Becoming-a-Victim-of-Cybercrime|avoid becoming the victim of a cybercrime]]. They will let you know if the text or email was legitimate or a scam.
Fake work-from-home job offers. You'll see listings of WFH jobs and the recruiter asks that candidates download AnyDesk as a part of the hiring process. The job offer is an immediate red flag (might be fake) if they say that they saw your resume from a staffing agency that you don't recognize. If the recruiter says they found your resume on social media, consider how much of your resume is online and if you've posted about a new resume at all. They might be honest or completely lying. Since AnyDesk does offer software for companies providing work-at-home positions, you want to ask as many questions as possible about your job duties to see if the job offer is legit. Fake job offers usually are vague about what the position includes. A real recruiter should be able to answer all your questions about the job and responsibilities.
Banking messages. Scammers rely on the threat of losing money to motivate you into doing something compromising. In this scenario, you'll get an email or text that claims your bank account has been compromised and they'll convince you to download AnyDesk to protect your money. Use another device to log into your bank directly. You can use the official app or official site for your bank to check your account; any issues with your account will show up here. All banks employ fraud specialists so you can report the suspicious activity. You can even talk to a fraud specialist to see if the text or email is legit or not if you're unsure.
Warnings about real events. We all know data breaches happen and some of us have data-breach alerts with credit checkers (like Credit Karma), credit cards (like Capital One), and security suites (like AT&T's Active Armor). Scammers will use this well-known information to get in touch with you to "protect your private information" with the help of AnyDesk. Protect yourself from these scammers by knowing when your data was leaked so you aren't tricked into a scam. These warnings can mimic the tech support approach where the scammer needs to access your computer with AnyDesk to remotely "protect" your leaked information.
Website pop-ups that alert you of malware. Something very similar is making people think that McAfee is a scamming anti-malware service, but allowing websites to send you notifications is the real culprit. When you see a pop-up, close your web browser to see if the notification goes away. If it does, it's a notification from a website and not legitimate. To stop the pop-ups, turn off the website's permission to send notifications.
Online claims to help you trade Bitcoin or make investments. Scammers want the promise of earning money to trick you into compromising your information. They request for you to download AnyDesk so they can help you make, invest, or trade money or Bitcoin. Legitimate investment firms avoid AnyDesk since it compromises information. If you are looking to invest or trade money, only trust registered investment advisors with contracts. Under U.S law, people without registration are prohibited to handle other peoples' money.
Invoices or bills for services that you didn't request. Scammers will send you fake invoices or bills, then use AnyDesk to steal more money from you as they claim they are protecting your bank account from the fake invoices/bills. If the bill or invoice is sent to your PayPal account, you can log into the mobile app and report it as a scam. Search online for a number to call the company that sent you the bill or invoice and find their number to call (don't call the number on the invoice or bill as it is a scam number that won't help you). Once you call, ask about the service and if the charge is legitimate.
Steps to Take If Scammers Have Remote Access
Go offline. Take the SIM card out of your Android or iOS smartphone or tablet, and turn off Wi-Fi to disable your Internet access on all your devices with AnyDesk. Anyone with your access code in AnyDesk cannot remote access your phone, tablet, or computer as long as you remain offline.
Change all your passwords on another device. The first thing scammers look for when they remotely access your device are passwords. You don't want to use the compromised device to change your passwords since you'll need to enable an internet connection again. Use another device to change all your passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever you can.
Get rid of AnyDesk. Boot your phone, tablet, Windows, or Mac in Safe Mode so you can uninstall apps without accessing the internet. The buttons you need to press while the device is turning on varies depending on what you're using as well as the manufacturer. Check online or in your owner's manual to learn what buttons you press as the computer, phone, or tablet, turns on to prompt Safe Mode to boot. Once you're in Safe Mode, you can safely uninstall AnyDesk. Also check to see if there are any installed programs or apps that you don't recognize and uninstall them as well. Exit Safe Mode by restarting your device without pressing any buttons. After the reset, run Windows Defender or any anti-malware tool to see if any malware exists that you need to get rid of.
Freeze your credit with all 3 credit bureaus. This includes Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. If the scammers manage to get your information, they can open fraudulent accounts or take out loans under your name that, if you don't freeze your account, will affect your credit score. New accounts or actions taken under your name will not affect your scores, so freezing your credit is the best defensive move you can make.
Contact your bank's fraud department. Scammers with your information can access your bank account and any credit cards you have through that bank, so you should cancel your cards to be issued new ones. In this case, the scammers have the old information, which won't work to get them access to your money.
Report the fraud. Go to https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/ and click Report Now to submit a report. If you think your identity was stolen as a result of this AnyDesk scam, report it at https://www.identitytheft.gov/.
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