Tech Support Scam Victim — Computer Secured and Accounts Recovered
They let a scammer into their computer. Here is what happened next — and how we fixed it.
The Situation
A Hills District resident received a call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft Support. The caller said their computer had been sending error reports to Microsoft and was infected with a serious virus. Frightened, the resident followed the caller's instructions to install a remote access program. The caller then spent 40 minutes 'fixing' the computer while asking for payment of $299 for 'Microsoft Security'. After paying via gift card, the caller disconnected. The resident felt sick with dread and called TechFix Pro immediately.
What We Found When We Arrived
The remote access software (AnyDesk) was still installed and set to run on startup — meaning the scammers had ongoing access to the computer any time it was connected to the internet. Reviewing the remote session logs, we found the scammer had: installed a second remote access tool (hidden), created a new Windows administrator account, accessed the browser's saved passwords, browsed to the resident's bank accounts, and taken screenshots of the screen. The computer had not been 'fixed' — it had been comprehensively compromised. No virus had existed before the call; the scammers created the appearance of one using built-in Windows diagnostic tools that look alarming to non-technical users.
How We Fixed It
**Emergency response — immediate actions (same day):** - All remote access software removed - Hidden administrator account deleted - Internet disconnected while cleaning - All browser sessions signed out **Bank and account security:** - Resident called bank immediately — card transaction flagged, no further charges made, gift card purchase investigated - All online account passwords changed from a clean device - Email account reviewed for forwarding rules added by scammers (one found and removed) - Two-factor authentication enabled on all accounts **Computer clean and harden:** - Windows Defender full scan — confirmed no persistent malware installed - All saved browser passwords cleared and rebuilt with a password manager - Windows reset to a clean state with files preserved - Remote access tools permanently blocked **Education:** - One-hour session explaining how these scams work, red flags to watch for, and what Microsoft/Apple/Telstra will never do
The Outcome
Computer fully secured. No further unauthorised access occurred. Bank acted quickly to investigate the gift card transaction. The resident was shaken but educated — they now know exactly what to look for and have shared the story with their community group to protect others.
How to spot and avoid tech support scams
Microsoft, Apple and Telstra will never call you about a virus
This is the most important fact to know. Legitimate technology companies do not monitor individual computers and do not cold-call customers about infections. Any call like this — regardless of how official it sounds — is a scam. Hang up immediately.
Gift cards are never a legitimate payment method
No real company asks for payment in gift cards. Ever. If any caller asks you to buy iTunes cards, Google Play cards or any other gift card as payment — it is a scam.
Do not let unknown callers access your computer remotely
Once a scammer has remote access to your computer, they can see everything — passwords, banking, emails, photos. If you have already given someone remote access and are unsure, disconnect from the internet immediately and call TechFix Pro.
If you think you have been scammed, act within the hour
Call your bank immediately to flag the card transaction. Change passwords for email and banking from a separate device. Then call us to secure the computer. Speed significantly improves the outcome.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I let a scammer access my computer?
Act immediately: disconnect from the internet, call your bank to flag any transactions, and call TechFix Pro. Do not turn the computer off — we need to review what was accessed while it is still on. Speed is critical in limiting the damage.
Can a scammer still access my computer after the call?
Yes — scammers often install hidden remote access software that runs in the background. This is why professional cleanup is essential even if the computer seems to be working normally after the call.
How much does scam recovery cost?
A standard scam cleanup, account security audit and system hardening costs $149–$250 depending on complexity. We always give an upfront quote. Given the alternative — compromised banking, ongoing access, identity theft — this is always worth it.
Will I get my money back?
Possibly — especially if paid by credit card. Banks have fraud teams that deal with these cases regularly. Gift card payments are harder to reverse, but some banks have had success through retailer fraud teams. Report to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) as well.
Facing a similar issue?
Same-day available · No Fix, No Fee
0434 358 263 WhatsApp usBook onlineNo Fix, No Fee guarantee
Upfront quote — no surprises
Same-day bookings available
On-site at your home or office
Related service
Cybersecurity & Scam Recovery →Dealing with a similar problem?
Same-day service across Western Sydney. No Fix, No Fee. Upfront quote before we start.