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REMOTE ACCESS FRAUD

Lock out the scam artists

A legitimate business won’t ask for remote access to your devices.

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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.

Help protect your account with real-time fraud monitoring. Sign up for M&T Alerts ,  to receive timely updates about spending and suspicious activity via text or email.
Use of these features and services requires Internet and/or data access through a computer or mobile device. Subject to availability and the same limitations as any service available through the Internet. M&T Bank is not responsible for matters that are outside of its reasonable control that might impact availability and functionality. M&T Bank reserves the right to suspend service for any reason at any time. Your mobile carrier's text messaging and data charges may apply. Fees may apply for optional services provided through M&T Online Banking. View the M&T Digital Services Agreement for additional details.
M&T Bank Alerts are available for your M&T Card through M&T Online Banking. Suspicious activity alerts notify customers of certain potentially fraudulent activity on their M&T Card. Alerts are designed to be a helpful account management tool, but they do not identify all potential fraudulent activity and are not a substitute for security and fraud precautions including, but not limited to, verifying statements and being aware of your outstanding payments and available balance. For your protection, “suspicious activity” and “card PIN change” email alerts cannot be disabled. M&T Bank is not liable for any losses customers may incur due to an alert not being delivered. Your mobile carrier's text messaging and data charges may apply.
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