Before you respond
What to do if you installed remote access
Learn what to do if a scammer got remote access, including disconnecting, removing software, changing passwords, checking accounts, and calling your bank.
Reviewed June 10, 2026
Quick answer
If you installed remote access software for a scammer, disconnect the device from the internet and stop using it for banking or passwords until it is checked.
Use a different trusted device to change passwords and contact your bank if money or account access was involved.
At a glance
Remote access scams convince you to install software that lets a stranger view or control your computer or phone.
- The contact started with a fake security warning or refund.
- They asked you to install support software.
- They asked you to log in to banking, crypto, email, or payment accounts.
Disconnect the device, remove remote access tools, and change passwords from a separate trusted device.
Why remote access changes the risk level
Remote access can let a scammer see screens, guide clicks, move money, install tools, or collect information. Some tech support scams use fake security pop-ups, refund stories, or bank fraud claims before asking for access.
After access happens, do not keep using the same device for sensitive recovery. Disconnect it, remove the software, update the device, and change passwords from another device. If the scammer saw banking, payment, or crypto accounts, contact those providers quickly.
What it may look like
"Your computer has been locked for security. Call support and install this tool so we can remove the threat."
Signs to slow down
- A pop-up, caller, email, or refund message tells you to install support software.
- The person asks you to log in to bank, payment, email, crypto, or shopping accounts while they are connected.
- They tell you not to close the screen, not to call the bank, or not to tell anyone.
- They mention refunds, overpayments, safety lockers, cash, gold, wire transfers, or crypto.
What to do next
- Disconnect the device from the internet.
- Use another trusted device to change important passwords and turn on two-factor authentication.
- Remove the remote access software and run security updates.
- Contact your bank, card issuer, payment app, or crypto platform if accounts were visible or money moved.
- Consider professional device help if you cannot confirm the remote access tool is gone.
How to report it
- Report tech support and remote access scams to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Report cyber-enabled losses to IC3.gov when appropriate.
- Report unauthorized bank, card, payment app, or crypto activity directly to the provider.
How Olevo can help
Olevo can help you review the support message or call details.
Describe what the caller said, what software they asked you to install, and whether accounts were opened. Olevo can help sort urgent next steps.
Trusted sources
How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Tech Support Scams
Federal Trade Commission
FTC guidance says real security warnings do not ask you to call a number or give remote access to fix a sudden problem.
Seemingly urgent security messages could lead to tech support scams
Federal Trade Commission
FTC guidance says real security pop-ups never ask you to call a phone number and recommends using trusted support sources.
What To Do if You Were Scammed
Federal Trade Commission
FTC guidance gives practical recovery steps by payment method, account exposure, identity exposure, and device access.
Common questions
Should I keep using the same computer after remote access?
Avoid using it for banking, passwords, or sensitive accounts until the remote access software is removed and the device is checked.
What passwords should I change first?
Start with email, banking, payment apps, crypto, shopping accounts, and any account visible while the scammer was connected.
Do I need to call my bank?
Call your bank if you logged in, moved money, shared card details, or let the scammer view financial accounts.
Can a fake tech support caller ask for cash or gold?
Yes. FTC guidance describes tech support and bank impersonation scams that escalate into unusual money movement.