What to Do If You Let Fake Tech Support Access Your Computer

What to Do If You Let Fake Tech Support Access Your Computer

Falling victim to a tech support scam can happen to anyone. These scammers often pose as legitimate tech support representatives, convincing you to grant them access to your computer. If you find yourself in this situation, it is crucial to act quickly to minimize potential damage. Here are the steps you should take:

1. Disconnect Your Computer from the Internet

The first step is to disconnect your computer from the internet as soon as possible. This will prevent the scammer from continuing to access your system remotely. If the internet is kept on, they can access your bank account, saved passwords and any other personal information stored on your device.

2. Change Your Passwords

Using another device, change the passwords for your important accounts, such as email, banking, and social media. Ensure that you use strong, unique passwords for each account. Passwords should be at least twelve characters long and use a combination of upper and lower case and characters.

3. Seek Professional Help

If you are unsure about the extent of the damage or how to proceed, consider seeking help from a professional IT service. They can perform a thorough check of your system and ensure that it is secure. Honorbound IT has been helping Southwest NE for over 20 years.

4. Check for Unauthorized Software

Review the programs installed on your computer and uninstall any software that you do not recognize or did not intentionally install. Be cautious and research any unfamiliar programs before removing them. Be careful some programs are not seen such as keyloggers.

5. Run a Full Security Scan

Once you reconnect your computer to the internet, run a full security scan using reputable antivirus or anti-malware software. This will help detect and remove any malicious software that may have been installed.

6. Watch Your Accounts

Report the fraud and any unauthorized transactions to your bank or the relevant service provider at once. Keep a close eye on your financial and online accounts for any suspicious activity.

7. Report the Scam

Report the incident to your local authorities and relevant organizations, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States. This can help prevent others from falling victim to the same swindle.

8. Educate Yourself and Others

Learn more about common tech support frauds and how to recognize them. Share this knowledge with friends and family to help protect them from similar threats.

By following these steps, you can mitigate the impact of tech support fraud and protect your personal information. Remember, staying vigilant and informed is key to safeguarding your digital life. If you have been scammed, give us a call at 877-686-6642. We will help you get back to browsing safely.

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