TalkScams Team · Educational guide · Reviewed 2026-11-07
Gave a tech-support scammer remote access to your computer?
Remote access may expose passwords, files or financial information. Disconnect the session and use trusted tools or professional support; a paid antivirus product does not guarantee that stolen data can be recovered.
What to do now
- End the remote session and disconnect the affected computer from the internet until you can secure it. Do not use the same device to enter new bank passwords until you trust it.
- From a separate trusted device, change important passwords, enable multifactor authentication and contact your bank if financial accounts were exposed.
- Update security software and run a full scan. Seek help from the computer manufacturer or a trusted professional if you cannot confidently remove unwanted access.
Follow-up checks and reporting
- Check for unfamiliar software, browser extensions, remote-control apps or new accounts and remove them with trustworthy assistance.
- Review bank and card activity and dispute unauthorized payments with the provider using its verified contact information.
- Consider a clean device reinstall when compromise cannot be ruled out, after securing essential data with professional guidance.
Watch for a follow-up scam
- A pop-up demands payment to fix an alleged infection.
- A caller says a refund requires remote control of your computer.
Original source: FTC — How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Tech Support Scams
Educational information only. No guarantee of recovery.