The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has raised the alarm over so-called remote access scams, in which consumers are duped into installing computer software, giving fraudsters access to their devices.

Scammers have stolen more than $7.2 million from consumers using this tactic so far this year, up 184% from last year, the regulator said today.

ACCC says scams of this nature often start with an unexpected phone call telling consumers they’ve been billed for a purchase they didn’t make, their device has been compromised or account has been hacked.

On other occasions it can be an SMS, email or pop up on a screen from a scammer seeking urgent contact to fix a problem.

Scammers will then pretend to provide assistance, directing consumers to download remote control software such as AnyDesk or TeamViewer.

The regulator says baited consumers are then asked to log into applications such as emails, internet banking or PayPal accounts, which will allow the scammer to access their banking and personal information to impersonate them or steal their money.

“Remote access scams are one of the largest growing scam types in Australia,” ACCC Deputy Chairman Delia Rickard said.

“Scammers take advantage of the digital world and the fear of fraud and cybercrime to access people’s devices and steal their money.

“These types of scams target and impact all people and can be convincing.”

She says people aged 55 and older lost over $4.4 million, accounting for almost half of total losses.

Young people reported losing on average $20,000 and eight Indigenous Australians, some in remote communities, lost a total of $38,000, she said.