Mum gave scammers access to PC via TeamViewer and then applied for a loan using details they found i

jcuurthht

I am handling the technical stuff to ensure this doesn't happen again. I am interested in identity and fraud protection.

I have found a place to report fraud on her behalf:
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

I have found an organisation you can register your details with to ensure any applications in her name will be flagged:
https://www.cifas.org.uk/

What else should I do?

jcuurthht

I have also been told Experian offers an Fraud Monitoring service: https://www.experian.co.uk/consumer/identity.html

JJ_Egan

Keep an eye on all bank accounts and payment services .

Amazon Ebay Pay Pal etc etc and change all passwords .

RumRat

No doubt you are already doing it, but, educating mum is the most effective barrier....

CoastingHatbox

Out of interest, what steps are you taking technically?

Curious because I'm in a similar position. Might be useful to compare notes?

jcuurthht

CoastingHatbox said:

Out of interest, what steps are you taking technically?

Curious because I'm in a similar position. Might be useful to compare notes?

1. Changed passwords to her most important accounts. I did this on my personal machine.
   
2. Setup two factory authentication, so she receives a text message when trying to login to an account. I did this on my personal machine.
3. Backed up her important files.
4. Created a Windows image on a USB/DVD and do a completely fresh install of windows. This includes formatting the hard drive during the installation process: https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/software-download/windows10ISO
5. Setup an administrator account with a password only I know
6. Setup a user account for my mum with restrictions e.g. no software installation.
   
7. Re-iterate how no one legitimate will ever call and ask for control of her computer. And if they do, call me first.
8. Set up trueCall at her house to help prevent cold calls and scams

This is quite tricky considering I live in a different country.

CoastingHatbox

jcuurthht said:

CoastingHatbox said:

Out of interest, what steps are you taking technically?

Curious because I'm in a similar position. Might be useful to compare notes?

1. Changed passwords to her most important accounts. I did this on my personal machine.
   
2. Setup two factory authentication, so she receives a text message when trying to login to an account. I did this on my personal machine.
3. Backed up her important files.
4. Created a Windows image on a USB/DVD and do a completely fresh install of windows. This includes formatting the hard drive during the installation process: https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/software-download/windows10ISO
5. Setup an administrator account with a password only I know
6. Setup a user account for my mum with restrictions e.g. no software installation.
   
7. Re-iterate how no one legitimate will ever call and ask for control of her computer. And if they do, call me first.
8. Set up trueCall at her house to help prevent cold calls and scams

This is quite tricky considering I live in a different country.

Ah, thats interesting. Thank you.
If it wasn't for the geographical challenge, I would suggest setting up a PiHole for DNS blocking of malicious websites.

Sandtree

CiFAS protective registration is a fairly big step and whilst most major lenders/banks are members not everyone is.

Unless they've become more sophisticated in recent years its a fairly blunt tool and means any application for credit will not go straight through as CIFAS advises them to block it and then validates with you that you did indeed make the application. Hearsay says that some will simply decline the application rather than referring to an underwriter... thinking more in store 0% finance on furniture type things rather than your next remortgage application.