Lock out the scam artists
REMOTE ACCESS FRAUD
A legitimate business won’t ask for remote access to your devices.
If you believe you have been a victim of fraud related to your M&T accounts, notify an M&T Customer Service Specialist.
Common remote-access fraud scenarios
Remote access refers to someone accessing your computer without being physically present at the machine. Remote access must be granted. Common fraud scenarios include criminals trying to lure a victim into giving them remote-access permissions.
Scammers may contact you pretending to be M&T Bank or another legitimate business. They may tell you, for example, they have a refund available to deposit into your bank account. Or that you owe an unpaid balance, and your account is in jeopardy of being frozen. The scammer will say that if you’ll just allow them remote access to your computer or phone, they’ll help you get the situation resolved. If you allow that remote access, you could unknowingly forfeit sensitive information that allows the criminal to access and then transfer money from your account.
Avoid screen sharing with scammers
Cybercriminals may also try to get you to share your screen with them, which allows them to see everything that you’re seeing. From there, they may trick you into installing harmful software or direct you to websites where you enter your username, password, account number, credit/debit card number and other sensitive information.
Don’t fall for it. Remote access or screen sharing almost always requires you to initiate the request, like in certain technical support scenarios. If you are ever asked to provide remote access to your devices or to share your screen and you were not the one who started that conversation, assume it’s a scam.
What if I already granted remote access?
Contact your bank immediately after any remote access fraud. M&T customers have around-the-clock access to Customer Service Specialists with solutions to mitigate the risk of account takeover after a scam. Call 1-800-724-2440 to connect with help. Be protective of your information.
