What should I do if I gave a scammer remote access?
Disconnect the device from the internet immediately, then secure your banking and passwords from a different, clean device.
Last reviewed: 1 August 2026
Explanation
Act in this order, and quickly. First, disconnect the device from the internet — turn off Wi-Fi or pull the network cable — which severs the scammer's session immediately; closing the window is not enough, because tools like AnyDesk or TeamViewer can reconnect or be set to run unattended. Second, from a different, clean device (your phone on mobile data is fine), change your online-banking password, then your email password, and turn on two-factor authentication — email matters because it can reset everything else. Third, call your bank: tell them a scammer had remote access, ask them to check for transactions and new payees, and freeze anything suspicious — banks treat this as urgent. Only then clean the affected device: uninstall the remote-access software, run a full security scan, and if you're not confident it's clean, back up your files and reset it. Expect follow-up calls from the same crew posing as your bank's fraud team or 'refund' agents — hang up on all of them.
Common red flags
- You installed screen-share/remote-control software for a caller
- You were asked to log into your bank while connected
- Your screen was dimmed or you were told 'don't touch anything'
What to do now
- Disconnect the device from the internet and uninstall the remote software
- From a clean device, change your banking password and key passwords; enable 2FA
- Contact your bank about any transactions; run a security scan or reset the device
Frequently asked questions
Is my device safe to use again?
Not until it's cleaned. Uninstall the remote tool, scan for malware, and if unsure, back up and reset the device. Do banking from a different device in the meantime.
They only had access for a minute. Am I still at risk?
Treat it as if they had full access. A minute is enough to install software that keeps running after the call, or to note details visible on screen. Follow the full cleanup: disconnect, change key passwords from a clean device, and tell your bank.