Scams That Require Misusing Legitimate Software

In these scams, the scammer convinces the victim to install, modify, or alter a legitimate piece of software so that the scammer can use it for malicious purposes. Examples include AnyDesk, TeamViewer, etc. Can also include abuse of software settings (e.g. Zoom screen control).

Features Of Software Misuse Scam Campaigns

• High risk, high reward for the scammer

  • Scammer needs to cultivate a very high level of trust, which requires a believable pretext

  • The payoff is quite high, scammer gets total control of user machine

Detection Notes

• Maker of software being abused has some incentive to increase friction for new installs

• Depending on the situation, detection of the new/different software can be easy or hard

Scams That Often Use The "Misuse Legitimate Software" Template

• 2.2.1 Virus/Malware Tech Support Scam

• 2.2.2 Fake Invoice Reversal Scam

• 8.4 Relationship Blackmail Scam - certain video apps can be requested by the scammer