I Gave a Scammer Remote Access to My Computer — What to Do Right Now

Last Updated: 4 June 2026

First, take a breath. You are not the first person this has happened to, and there is a clear path forward. Remote access scams are one of the top five scam types in Australia, and they are deliberately designed to catch out careful, sensible people. What matters now is acting calmly and in the right order. This page walks you through exactly what to do in the next few minutes — and how we can professionally check and clean your device so you can bank and shop online again with confidence.

Do these things first (in this order)

1. Disconnect the device from the internet. Unplug the network cable, or turn off Wi-Fi (switch off the modem if you are unsure how). This instantly cuts the scammer’s connection to your computer or phone.
2. Stop following their instructions and don’t send any more money. Hang up the call. Ignore any further pop-ups, emails or texts from them, even if they sound urgent or threatening.
3. From a different, trusted device (a family member’s phone is fine), change your passwords — your email first, then internet banking, then anything else important. Turn on two-factor authentication where you can.
4. Call your bank straight away. Most Australian banks have a 24/7 fraud line. Tell them you gave someone remote access. They can watch for or stop suspicious transfers and secure your accounts.
5. Leave the affected device switched on but offline until it has been checked. Don’t bank or enter passwords on it again until it has been cleaned.

What the scammer may have been able to do

When you grant remote access (usually through a tool such as AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or a fake “support” app), the scammer can see your screen and control your computer as if they were sitting in front of it. In that time they may have:

• Installed hidden software that keeps a back door open, records what you type, or watches your screen — even after the call ends.
• Logged into your email or internet banking while you watched, or while your screen was deliberately blanked.
• Changed your passwords, recovery email, or security questions to lock you out.
• Moved money, set up new payees, or applied for credit in your name.
• Copied personal files, photos or documents that can be used for identity theft.

This is why simply ending the call or uninstalling the remote tool is not enough on its own. The danger is what may have been left behind. The only way to be sure your device is safe is a thorough professional check.

Computer, Android phone or iPhone — quick guidance

Windows PC or laptop / Mac: uninstall any remote-access program you were asked to download, but assume other software may remain. A professional clean (or a careful wipe and rebuild) is the safest option before you bank again.

Android phone: remove any app the scammer asked you to install, check Settings → Apps for anything unfamiliar, and review “device admin” permissions. If in doubt, a factory reset after backing up your photos is the cleanest fix — we can do this for you and set it back up safely.

iPhone: iPhones are harder to take over, but scammers often add a configuration profile or trick you into Screen Sharing or installing a “support” app. Check Settings → General → VPN & Device Management and remove anything you don’t recognise. Change your Apple ID password from another device.

How The Original PC Doctor cleans up after a remote-access scam

We have helped Australians recover from scams for over two decades. When you bring us a device that a scammer had access to, we:

• Check for and remove remote-access tools, keyloggers, spyware and hidden malware.
• Review what was changed — startup items, browser settings, scheduled tasks, mail rules and new accounts.
• Help you reset passwords properly and switch on two-factor authentication.
• Confirm your device is genuinely clean — and, if you want it, issue an Internet Banking Certificate so you (and your bank) know your device is safe for online banking.

We come to you anywhere in Australia, or help remotely from a clean, secure connection. Friendly, plain-English, and patient — most of the people we help are not “tech people”, and that is completely fine.

Report the scam (free, and it helps)

Reporting won’t always recover money, but it protects others and creates a record you may need:

• Your bank — first and fastest; they may be able to stop or trace funds.
• IDCARE — Australia’s free national identity & cyber support service: 1800 595 160 (Mon–Fri). They give you a tailored recovery plan.
• Scamwatch (National Anti-Scam Centre) — report at scamwatch.gov.au.
• ReportCyber (Australian Cyber Security Centre) — report cybercrime at cyber.gov.au.

If your bank’s response isn’t satisfactory, you can lodge a free complaint with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). Under Australia’s new Scam Prevention Framework, reimbursement is sometimes possible — though not guaranteed — so report early and keep records.

A recent client story

Frequently asked questions

I only gave them access for a few minutes — am I still at risk?

Possibly. Automated tools let a scammer install hidden software in under a minute. A short session doesn’t mean you’re safe, so it’s worth having the device checked.

Will a factory reset or reinstall fix it?

A proper wipe and rebuild removes almost all malware, but it must be done correctly — and you’ll need to secure your accounts separately, since password and email changes live online, not on the device. We handle both.

Do I really need my device cleaned, or can I just change my passwords?

Change your passwords immediately regardless. But if hidden software is still recording your screen or keystrokes, new passwords can be captured too. Cleaning the device and changing passwords go together.

Can you help my elderly parent who was targeted?

Yes — this is a large part of what we do. We’re patient, we explain everything in plain English, and we can come to their home. Remote-access scams hit older Australians hardest, and there is no shame in being caught out.

Don’t bank on that device until it’s been checked. Call 1300 723 628 or book a clean-up online — we’ll make it safe again.