Someone claiming to be from the benefits office asked me to install remote access software to fix an account error - should I do it?
No. Never install remote access software at the request of an unsolicited caller claiming to be from a government benefits agency - this is a well-known scam to take control of your device and drain your bank accounts.
Last reviewed: 5 July 2026
Explanation
In this scam, a caller claims there is an error, duplicate payment, or security issue with your benefits account that needs to be fixed remotely, and talks you through installing a remote access tool such as a screen-sharing or remote desktop app. Once installed, the scammer can see everything on your screen, including online banking logins, and can take control of your mouse and keyboard to move money out of your accounts directly, often disguising the transfer as 'reversing an error payment.'
Government benefits agencies do not fix account issues by remotely accessing your personal computer or phone - any account correction is handled internally on their systems, not on your device. The remote access request is really a way to bypass your bank's fraud protections by having you, the account holder, appear to authorize the transaction yourself while the scammer operates your device in real time.
If anyone claiming to be from a government agency, bank, or tech support asks you to install remote access software, end the call and do not install anything. If you have already installed such software, disconnect from the internet, uninstall it, and contact your bank immediately to check for unauthorized transactions.
Common red flags
- Asks you to download and install a remote access or screen-sharing app
- Claims an account error can only be fixed by them accessing your device
- Instructs you to log into your bank account while they are watching your screen
- Creates urgency around a supposed duplicate or erroneous payment
- Discourages you from hanging up and calling the agency back independently
- Asks you to move money to a 'safe' or 'holding' account during the call
What to do now
- Do not install any remote access software at the request of an unsolicited caller
- Hang up immediately if asked to do this
- If you already installed it, disconnect your device from the internet and uninstall the software
- Contact your bank immediately using the number on your card to check for unauthorized transactions
- Change passwords for your banking and benefits accounts from a different, clean device
- Report the incident to your bank's fraud team and national fraud reporting center
Frequently asked questions
Do any legitimate services ever use remote access?
Some legitimate tech support interactions use remote access, but a government benefits agency has no reason to remotely access your personal device to fix an account issue.
What should I do right after realizing I was scammed this way?
Disconnect from the internet, uninstall the software, and call your bank immediately - speed matters because funds can be moved quickly.