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Suspect you have been scammed

Suspect you have been scammed

Mark Sherman
Written by Mark Sherman
Published 3 weeks ago

Suspect you have been scammed

If you suspect a scammer has accessed your computer remotely, act immediately.

The goal is to cut off access, protect your money and identity, and make sure your system is clean.

ORANA TECHNOLOGY SERVICES DOES NOT COLD CALL OR EMAIL ABOUT DETECTED COMPUTER OR ANTIVIRUS ISSUES


Do this immediately (first 10–15 minutes)

1. Disconnect from the internet

  • Turn off Wi‑Fi and unplug any Ethernet cable.

  • This stops the attacker from continuing the session or stealing more data.

2. Power off the computer

  • Shut it down completely.

  • Do not log in, open browsers, or try to “check things” yet.

3. Use another device (phone/tablet)

  • Assume your computer may be compromised.

  • Use a different, safe device for the steps below.

  • Contact us at Orana Technology Services - www.oranats.au/booking


Protect your money and identity (very important)

4. Contact your bank(s) immediately

  • Tell them you believe your computer was accessed by a scammer.

  • Ask them to:

    • Monitor or freeze accounts if needed

    • Reverse any suspicious transactions

  • If you gave card details, request new cards.

5. Change passwords (from another device)

Start with:

  • Email accounts (especially Gmail/Outlook)

  • Banking & financial services

  • Apple ID / Microsoft / Google accounts

  • Social media

Tips:

  • Use new, unique passwords

  • Enable two‑factor authentication (2FA) everywhere possible

  • Assume any password typed on the affected computer is compromised


Secure or clean the computer

6. Check for remote access software

When you restart (offline if possible), look for and remove:

  • AnyDesk

  • TeamViewer

  • Chrome Remote Desktop

  • LogMeIn

  • UltraViewer

  • Splashtop

If you didn’t install it yourself, it shouldn’t be there.

7. Run a full security scan

  • Use a reputable antivirus (Microsoft Defender, Malwarebytes, etc.)

  • Run a full scan, not a quick scan

8. Strongly consider a full reset

If:

  • You gave them access intentionally (fake “tech support” scam), or

  • You’re unsure what they did

Best option:
Back up important files (documents/photos only) → factory reset / reinstall the operating system

This is the only way to be 100% sure the attacker is gone.


Report the scam (Australia)

Reporting helps protect others and may help if financial loss occurred.


Watch for follow‑up scams

Scammers often:

  • Call back pretending to be your bank or “security”

  • Offer to “fix” the problem for a fee

  • Claim they’ve “detected hacking activity”

👉 Banks and government agencies do not cold‑call to fix computers.


Red flags you were likely scammed

  • You were told there was “urgent” hacking or viruses

  • Asked to install remote software

  • Pressured to act quickly

  • Asked for gift cards, crypto, or unusual payments

If any of these happened, this was almost certainly a scam.


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