Criminals are taking advantage of the rise in screen-sharing requests to scam people out of cash, a watchdog has warned.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) revealed there has been a surge in fraudsters asking for access to computers to see online banking and other personal details.

With more people relying on video conferencing and remote platforms to work and socialise, screen-sharing has become more common.

Colin Mathieson, spokesman for Advice Direct Scotland, is urging local people to be on their guard.

He said: “Unfortunately, we have seen throughout the Covid pandemic that fraudsters will seem to exploit the public health crisis at any opportunity to gain personal information and bank details.

“This warning from the FCA shows that scammers are now targeting the increase in online meetings brought about by a shift towards remote and hybrid working.

“We urge everyone to remain ‘scam aware’ and to think very carefully before clicking links from unknown parties.

“If you think a message, email or screen-sharing request doesn’t seem right, then it probably isn’t.”