What to Do After a Remote Access Scam

If you've allowed someone remote access to your computer who claimed to be from "Microsoft Support," "NBN," "Amazon," or your bank's "Cyber Department," you have been the victim of a Remote Access Scam. These scams are highly sophisticated, exploiting your trust and weaponizing everyday technology to gain unauthorized access to your device. Often, they start with a frightening pop-up on your screen or an unexpected phone call warning you of a critical error.

The moment you realize something is wrong, you need to act fast. Speed is your strongest defense against further financial loss and data theft. Here is the technical checklist for Bairnsdale and East Gippsland residents and businesses to follow immediately to regain control.

Step 1: Disconnect the Internet

This is the most critical first step. Turn off your Wi-Fi or unplug the Ethernet cable from the back of your computer. By cutting the internet connection immediately, you sever the scammer's lifeline to your device. Once offline, they can no longer steal files, capture more keystrokes, or control your mouse. Disconnecting the internet gives you the breathing room needed to assess the situation and plan your next move securely without the attacker watching.

Step 2: Lock Down Your Banking

If you gave the scammer remote access while your banking was open, or if you logged into any financial institution while they were actively watching or recording, you must contact your bank's dedicated fraud department immediately. Tell them you've had a "Remote Access Compromise." They are trained to handle these emergencies. They will likely cancel your current cards, freeze outgoing transfers, and flag your account for suspicious activity. Always call your bank using a known, trusted phone number—do not use a phone number provided by the scammer.

Step 3: Change Passwords (From a DIFFERENT Device)

Do NOT change your passwords on the compromised computer. Even if you think the scammer has disconnected, they may have installed a hidden "Keylogger"—malicious software designed to record every single keystroke you type, including your new passwords. Use your mobile phone, a separate clean tablet, or a trusted family member's device to reset your credentials. Start with your primary email password first (since other accounts use it for password resets), followed by your banking, social media, and other sensitive logins.

Step 4: Check for "Backdoors"

Scammers rarely rely on a single point of entry. Once inside, they often install legitimate remote management software like AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or GoToAssist to easily re-enter your computer later without your knowledge. They may also install hidden "Persistence" scripts that survive a reboot, automatically reconnecting them to your machine whenever it turns on. This is where professional technical help is required. Doing a simple antivirus scan is rarely enough to root out these manual backdoors; it requires a deep malware and remote access audit by someone who understands the attack patterns.

Step 5: Professional Triage

At Grimace Remote, I provide urgent remote triage to successfully scan, clean, and harden your system after a remote access scam. Rather than travelling to an onsite shop, we manage this 100% remotely to get you back online securely and quickly via email communication and secure remote link steps. I look for hidden user accounts inserted by the attackers, check for Outlook and Gmail forwarding rules (a common way they stealthily steal bank codes and passwords), and provide a technical summary of what was removed.