Unfortunately, every day I hear from clients about a new scam attempt. Some are successfully thwarted, and others are not. They range from “monthly” charges of $20 to full-blown real estate phishing scams with six-figure losses.
These usually start with an alarming pop-up, a phone call, or a strange email meant to make you uneasy.
If a stranger is controlling your computer
First, shut down your computer. The scammer cannot control the computer when it is off.
If you can’t shut down using your mouse, press the power button. If it still doesn’t shut down, hold the power button for about 10 seconds until it turns off completely.
Now take a breath. I know these scams are alarming and can send your mind into overdrive. This is not the worst-case scenario, and we will get through this.
Leave the computer off until it has been checked. If the scammer installed remote access software, they can reconnect as soon as it’s back online.
The next steps depend on what information you gave and whether any money or financial details were shared.
If you didn’t share any card or bank details
If the scammer had access to your computer but you didn’t give them financial information, change your important passwords from a different device, starting with your email. Then have a professional check your computer to make sure the scammer no longer has access.
If you gave your credit card or bank account details
After shutting down the computer, call your bank or credit card company and tell them what happened. Don’t use the same computer to look up the phone number. Use the number on the back of your card, or look it up on another device like your phone.
Your bank will help you look for fraudulent charges and dispute them. I also recommend asking them to issue a new card. Once a scammer has your card number, nothing stops them from charging it again later.
After that, change your passwords from another device and reach out to someone who can make sure your computer is clear of any remote access software.
If you paid with gift cards
Scammers love gift cards because they’re hard to trace. If you bought gift cards and read the numbers to them, call the company that issued the card right away. The number is usually on the back of the card. Tell them it was used in a scam and ask if they can freeze the balance. Keep the cards and your receipts, since you’ll need them.
If you got a fake email from your realtor, banker, or other important contact
Call the office before ever replying to a suspicious email, even if it looks like it came from someone you know. Use a number you already have, not one from the email. Ask them directly: “Did you send me an email earlier today saying such and such?”
Emails are faked (“spoofed”) every day. This is where I see the biggest financial losses, because these scams usually target real estate closings or other very large transactions.
If you already wired money
Call your bank immediately and tell them it was a fraudulent wire. Ask them to try to recall or freeze it. Every minute matters here. The sooner the bank acts, the better the chance of getting the money back.
Then file a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. Let your realtor, title company, or lender know too, so they can protect your transaction and warn others.
How to spot the next one
Google, Microsoft, the IRS, and the FBI do not just call people out of the blue. Be highly suspicious of unsolicited calls. If you do answer and the call seems off, hang up immediately.
I like to look up the numbers that call me, whether I missed the call or hung up on a suspected scammer. If it’s a legitimate number, the search will usually show results tied directly to that institution.
You don’t have to sort this out alone
If a scammer has been on your computer, I can help. I’ll check for leftover remote access software, look at what they actually did, and explain it in plain language so you know where you stand. I can start remotely or come to you anywhere in the Tucson area.
Call or text (520) 500-8WES, or request help here.
Want something to keep by the computer? Download my free Pop-Up Scam Safety Guide. It’s a printable one-pager with simple steps for suspicious pop-ups and scam calls.