UltraViewer Scams – Alarming Abuse of Useful Software

UltraViewer is a remote access app that allows users to take control of another computer for many different purposes such as supporting customers and friends or accessing the device remotely. Providing remote support is the key feature that unscrupulous fraudsters seek to exploit.

The past few years have seen a surge in UltraViewer scams, drawing the attention of institutions and agencies such as the FBI. In this article, we have analyzed the framework of these schemes, which illicit methods are used, how you can detect them, and what you must do if you have fallen victim to an Ultra Viewer scam.

What’s UltraViewer?

Remote desktop app, a useful tool designed to make connections and support more convenient, is a popular choice among countless users but also fraudsters. Applications such as UltraViewer and AnyDesk are trailblazers in this sector given their popularity and user-friendly interface.

The software essentially allows one user to remotely access and control another computer, enabling them to effortlessly perform quick tasks like technical support and cooperation.

To use UltraViewer, both parties should run the app, and share the displayed ID and password. After clicking Connect, user A will immediately gain control over user B’s device, their mouse, and keyboard as if the former were physically there while the latter can spectate. They can communicate via a built-in chat.

Per se, the above-mentioned apps are extremely useful systems but as you can imagine, if you allow the wrong person access to your PC, the consequences can be dire.

How Scammers Exploit This Software?

According to a blog post about ultraviewer.net scams, the schemers aim to abuse the trust users place in remote desktop apps. They use various tactics, one of them being duplicitous tech support calls. By purporting to be employees of reputable firms, they falsely alert the user about his/her computer being infected with viruses.

They then try to dupe users into downloading and installing UltraViewer to solve the non-existent issues. What they are really after is gaining full remote access to exploit the potential victim’s personal info regarding finances, inject malware, or demand insane fees.

Tech support scams have become frequent, based on the data from the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. The agency reported a 137% increase in losses nationwide in 2021, accumulating to over 347 million dollars.

For instance, a Maine couple lost 1.1 million dollars after falling victim to cyber crooks who used a fake pop-up alert to gain access via UltraViewer and then instructed the pair to wire funds and take out a home equity line of credit. This is just one case and who knows how many go unreported.

Complaints on Microsoft’s Forum

We found a complaint on a forum, which outlines how the Microsoft UltraViewer scam works and which lies the devious dodgers resort to. The targeted user was contacted by the fraudster, who claimed to be a Microsoft employee.

The latter convinced the user that his phone was hacked and that immediate action had to be taken. Of course, the support was provided via UltraViewer. The scheme really took off from there with the crook aggressively claiming the user’s social security number and bank account had been compromised.

Fortunately, the user was diligent and did not fall for all the lies. It’s good to share experiences to warn the community about potential fraud and prevent others from losing funds.

Red Flags Indicative of UltraViewer Scams

To avoid falling victim to cyber theft involving UltraViewer, we urge you to memorize these red flags and stop all actions upon detecting any of them. Here are some indications to help you identify shady remote access schemes:

• Tech support calls – Just recall the FBI’s warning regarding tech scams and how tricksters go about this scam. If a suspicious caller goes above and beyond to convince you that your computer has issues, be skeptical. If they press you to allow them access via UltraViewer, deny them!
• Manipulative tactics – Digital con artists often try to manipulate potential victims using sweet talk or pressuring them as if there’s no tomorrow. Demand as much info about your caller as possible and if they don’t want to disclose it, end the call.
• Irrational fee demands – Transparent tech support will not demand payments via unconventional methods such as wire transfers or cryptocurrency, which are hard to trace. Any unusual or nonsensical request for a payment or fee is to be taken with a grain of salt.
• Pop-up messages – Pop-up messages warning about suspicious computer files are common fraudulent instruments of deceit. Trust your antivirus and not some random pop-up.

Is There a Way To Recover Lost Funds?

If you are a victim of an UltraViewer scam, the first thing you have to do is report the incident to your bank and freeze your account to prevent further financial damage. Next, you should inform your domestic financial market authority and law enforcement to inform them about an ongoing cyber scheme.

They may assist in locating the fraudster who managed to scam you. As for the lost funds, you might want to consider contacting a chargeback company. Over here at Fusion Forensics Limited, we boast a team of experts who can help you retrieve your money. Their vast experience can be invaluable to anyone who has fallen prey to UltraViewer scams.

Book your free consultation today and explain to us how you got defrauded. Depending on how it happened, we can together explore potential refund methods and start recovering your hard-earned funds.