Remote access scams involve someone tricking you into allowing them remote access and taking over your device.
About remote access scams
Remote access scammers will pretend to call from internet services or telecom companies. They will try to convince you there is a technical problem with your device or service and that they need to fix it.
The scammers might try to get you to buy a fake software to ‘fix’ the issue or ask for your credit card details. They may request remote access to your computer and then steal all your details, files, passwords and more.
Advice to protect yourself from remote access scams
There are steps you can take to reduce the risk of someone taking over your device remotely:
- Don’t allow remote access into your mobile phone, computer or digital device unless you are certain of who the person or company is.
- Do not load any remote access applications onto your device.
- Disable any remote access applications or software.
- Be aware that remote access to your device allows access to other areas such as bank log ins, personal documents, photographs, videos, and more.
- Don’t give out personal, credit card or account details over the phone unless you made the call yourself, and the phone number came from a trusted source.
Find out more about remote access scams at Scamwatch(opens in a new window).
If you think you have been scammed by a remote access scammer
You might be worried that your identity has been compromised through a remote access scam.
Act fast to limit the damage:
- Contact your bank or financial institution immediately to let them know about the scam.
- Change your banking passwords on any compromised accounts.
- Contact other services where your personal information could be used to access your accounts (such as the Australian Taxation Office or Services Australia).
Visit IDCARE or call 1800 595 160 for advice on scams that involve stealing your identity. This free Australian and New Zealand service can help you limit the damage and recover from the scam.
If someone has gained remote access to your device
You may suspect that your device has been hacked as a result of a remote access scam.
There are steps you can take to minimise the damage:
- Find out what to do by using the ACSC’s ‘Have you been hacked?’(opens in a new window) application
- Consider saving important files to external data storage and performing a factory reset on the affected device
- Contact an IT professional to check your device.
Report a remote access scam
If you have been affected by a remote access scam, you should report it to police at ReportCyber.
In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000)(opens in a new window).
To help disrupt and follow scam trends, warn others about new scams and receive advice and support, report your experience to Scamwatch(opens in a new window).
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