The call might be about a virus on your computer. A problem with your internet. A suspicious charge on your bank account. Or a refund you’re owed for a subscription you don’t remember buying.
The story changes. The request doesn’t: let me connect to your computer so I can fix it.
That request is the whole scam. Once a stranger has remote access, they can see your screen, move your mouse, and — as the Government of Canada’s Get Cyber Safe program warns — watch you type your usernames and passwords, or send themselves money.
The Disguises
Remote access scams turn up in many forms. These are some of the most common:
The “tech support” call or pop-up
Someone claims to be from Microsoft, Apple, or your internet provider and says your computer is infected. Microsoft is clear: it “will never proactively reach out to you to provide unsolicited PC or technical support.”
The fake invoice
An email says you’ve been charged hundreds of dollars to renew antivirus software or a computer service. There’s a phone number to call if you want to cancel. Of course you call — and the person who answers needs to connect to your computer to “process the refund.”
The “refunded too much” trick
Once they’re in, they make it look as if they accidentally refunded you far too much — often by changing what you see on your own screen. Then they ask you to send the difference back, by gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or cash. The refund was never real. The money you send is.
The “bank security” call
A caller says your bank account has been hacked and they need to connect to your computer to secure it. Hang up and call your bank yourself, using the number on the back of your card. Get Cyber Safe’s advice is simple: “Never allow an individual to remotely access your computer.”
✓ The one rule
Never let anyone connect to your computer, phone, or tablet unless you reached out to them first — using a number or website you found yourself. If someone calls, texts, emails, or pops up on your screen offering to fix something, the answer is no.
What They’ll Ask You to Do
To get in, a scammer has to talk you into it. They’ll usually ask you to:
- Go to a website and download a program — often a real, legitimate remote access tool used by real companies, which is what makes it so convincing
- Read them a code or number that appears on your screen
- Click “Allow” or “Accept” when your computer asks for permission
- Log in to your online banking “so they can check” or “so they can refund you”
If any of this happens on a call you didn’t start, hang up. You won’t hurt anyone’s feelings. You’ll be stopping a crime.
If You’ve Already Let Someone In
First: please don’t be embarrassed. These scams catch careful, capable people every day. What matters now is acting quickly.
- Disconnect from the internet right away — turn off your Wi-Fi or unplug the internet cable — to cut off their access. Then turn the computer off.
- Call your bank using the number on the back of your card. Tell them someone had access to your computer.
- Change your passwords from a different device — another computer, or your phone if it wasn’t involved. Start with your email and your banking.
- Have someone you trust check the computer before you use it again — the scammer may have left a program behind so they can get back in.
- Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501, and to your local police if money was lost. The CAFC estimates only 5 to 10 per cent of fraud is ever reported.
⚠ Disclaimer
This article is for general information and awareness only and does not constitute legal, financial, or cybersecurity advice. Information is drawn from publicly available sources including the Government of Canada’s Get Cyber Safe program, Microsoft, and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Recovery of funds is not guaranteed. The Lady Tech is not affiliated with any company or organization mentioned and assumes no liability for outcomes resulting from the application of information in this article. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Phone numbers were current as of December 2, 2026.