Slower decisions under pressure
A short verification pause can stop urgency from deciding what you click, pay or share.
Fake support call safety
Fake Tech Support Call Scam Australia
If someone says your computer, internet, bank account or NBN has a problem, pause before installing anything or sharing details.
First safety rule: if money has been sent, call your bank first. If an account, device or identity details are involved, save evidence before deleting messages.
Quick answer
Do not install remote-access software or give an unexpected caller control of your device. End the contact, close the popup if you can do so safely, and verify the organisation independently before taking another step.
The safest first move
Hang up and verify through official contact details. Do not use the number in a popup, suspicious message or caller ID.
Real support should not rush you into installing remote access, opening banking, sharing one-time codes or moving money.
- Do not install AnyDesk, TeamViewer, QuickSupport or screen sharing for an unexpected caller.
- Do not open online banking while someone is connected.
- Do not share passwords, MFA codes or myGov details.
- Ask family or local IT support before continuing.
Common fake support stories
Scammers may claim they are from Microsoft, Telstra, NBN, a bank, antivirus company or government support. They may show normal technical screens as if they prove you are hacked.
A scary popup can be just a web page. Closing the browser or restarting may be safer than calling the number shown.
- Your internet will be disconnected.
- Your bank account is under attack.
- Your computer has a virus.
- A refund must be processed.
- You need to move money to a safe account.
If you gave remote access
Disconnect the device from the internet, stop using online banking on it, call your bank if money or card details are involved, and save evidence.
Then use the remote access and hacked recovery helpers to plan cleanup and account security.
Common questions
Benefits and practical outcomes
Use these outcomes as a practical check on whether the advice is making the situation clearer and easier to manage.
Independent verification
Checking through an official app, known website or saved contact reduces reliance on the suspicious message itself.
Better evidence
Keeping messages, receipts and timestamps makes it easier to explain what happened if you need help.
Clear escalation
A simple next-step plan helps you know when to contact a bank, platform, provider or hands-on support.
Example: unexpected remote-support request
A caller says the computer is infected and asks the customer to install remote-access software. The customer ends the call and independently contacts a trusted support provider before allowing anyone to access the device.
Outcome: device control is not handed to an unverified caller.
Is Microsoft, Telstra or NBN calling me about my computer?
Unexpected support calls should be treated as suspicious. Hang up and contact the organisation through official details.
Is a virus popup always real?
No. Many fake popups are designed to scare you into calling a scam number or installing remote access.
What if they already controlled my computer?
Disconnect the internet, call your bank if money is involved, save evidence and use the recovery helper.
Check the next step.
Need a person to check it?
Get hands-on Scam Safety Help in Melbourne's North
If something already happened, a device or account needs checking, or you want a technician to review the situation with you, see what the Scam Safety Help service includes.
Need help applying this?
Use the relevant service page to understand the support path, or start with QuoteMe to describe the problem. A QuoteMe request is reviewed by a person and does not approve paid work, pricing, payment or diagnosis.