Suspicious SMS, email or popup
Check the wording before replying, clicking or sharing a code.
Same-day scam help may be available — acting early can reduce further risk
🛡️ Calm, Practical Scam Safety Help
Scam Safety Help Melbourne North
Prepared byYour IT & Tech Mates content teamPlain-English customer guidance
Reviewed byTechnical support teamPractical service and safety review
Quick facts
Helpful information
- Help area
- Scam Safety & Digital Safety
- Start here
- Scam Message Checker
- Real examples from our work
- Fake Telstra Scam Call Wollert
- Updated
- 13 August 2026
These links use current Your IT & Tech Mates information. A technician confirms the work and price before paid work starts. Safety and loss prevention come before pricing.
Free first check
What happened? Start with the safest next step.
You do not need to know the scam type. Choose what happened and use the existing free checker or guide first. If a device or account needs hands-on checking, the same pathway leads back to Scam Safety Help.
Strange link, shortened URL or QR code
Check the destination before opening it, logging in or paying.
Fake support call or someone controlled the device
Check Microsoft, Telstra, NBN, bank, antivirus and remote-access requests.
PayID, invoice, marketplace or changed bank details
Verify payment instructions independently before sending money.
Something already happened
Start recovery steps before deleting evidence or continuing to use affected accounts.
Money, card details or banking were involved
Contact your bank first, then use the recovery helper to organise evidence and next steps.
Helping a parent, senior, family member or friend
Use a calm, no-shame checklist before taking over their accounts or device.
Online store, ad or website feels wrong
Check the store and link before paying, signing in or downloading anything.
If money has moved or banking details were exposed, contact your bank first. If anyone is in immediate danger or being threatened, call 000.
What Is a Scam Safety Check?
After a suspicious call or message, stop further interaction, avoid logging into sensitive accounts on the affected device, and work through the safest next step before doing anything else. You do not need to know whether it was definitely a scam first — that is part of what we help work out.
A scam check typically takes 30–90 minutes. We come to you, look over the device calmly, and explain clearly what we find. Most people feel much better once they know what the actual situation is.
What We See Locally
Common Scams We Help With in Melbourne's North
Scammers are professional at creating panic and urgency. These are the kinds of calls and messages we see most often across Epping, Wollert, South Morang, Bundoora and nearby areas.
Fake Telstra and NBN Calls
Caller claims there is a problem with your internet account or NBN connection, then asks you to download a remote-access app or read out codes. Hang up and call Telstra directly on its official number.
Fake Microsoft or Windows Alerts
A pop-up or phone call claims your computer has a virus and you must call a number immediately. Legitimate Microsoft does not call customers about viruses. Close the browser and do not call the number.
Bank Impersonation Calls
Caller claims to be from your bank's fraud team, says your account has been compromised, and asks you to transfer funds to a "safe account". Real banks will never ask you to transfer to a safe account over the phone.
Phishing Emails and SMS
A message that looks like MyGov, Australia Post, your bank or a parcel delivery service asking you to click a link and enter your details. These links often steal passwords or install malware.
Remote Access Requests
Caller asks you to install an app like AnyDesk, TeamViewer or QuickSupport so they can "fix" your device. Once installed, they may be able to see your screen, files and passwords. We check for these apps and remove them.
Scam Calls Targeting Seniors
Older Australians are disproportionately targeted. Scams are designed to create fear, urgency and confusion — and they fool people across all ages and backgrounds. Getting help quickly is the sensible response, not something to feel embarrassed about.
See senior tech support →🛡️ Had a suspicious call? Do not log into banking until you have checked.
We can help you work out what happened and secure the device before anything else goes wrong.
What We Check
What We Do During a Scam Safety Check
Every check is calm, clear and goes at your pace. We explain what we are doing and why at every step.
✅ Remote-Access App Check
We look for AnyDesk, TeamViewer, QuickSupport, SupRemo and similar tools that give someone else access to your device. If we find one, we remove it and check what access was possible.
✅ Account and Password Review
We check which important accounts (email, banking apps, Apple ID or Google Account) may be at risk and help you change passwords safely — one at a time, clearly explained.
✅ Two-Factor Authentication Setup
Where possible, we turn on two-factor authentication for important accounts. This makes it much harder for someone else to log in even if they have your password.
✅ Malware and Security Check
We check for malware, suspicious software or browser extensions that should not be there, and remove anything found. We also check Windows Defender or your existing security software.
✅ Recovery Settings Check
We check that account recovery options like backup phone numbers and backup email addresses are still yours — scammers sometimes change these to maintain access after a call.
✅ Simple Guidance Going Forward
We explain in plain English what to watch for next, how to identify a genuine company call versus a scam, and what the family should do if another suspicious call comes in.
Right Now
What To Do Immediately After a Suspicious Call
1 End the call
Hang up or close the chat. If you need to verify the caller, contact the organisation yourself using its official website, app or the number on your card.
2 Pause sensitive logins
If you shared a password, one-time code, card detail or remote access, avoid signing in to banking or other sensitive accounts from the affected device until it has been checked.
3 Keep the evidence
Write down what happened, what you shared and roughly when. Keep suspicious messages, emails, receipts and screenshots in case your bank, Scamwatch, IDCARE or police need them.
4 Get the device or account checked
Tell us what happened. We can help you work out the likely technology risk and whether you need an account review, device check or another recovery step.
Important
Bank, IDCARE or Police — When To Contact Each
We handle the device and account side. For financial, identity or legal concerns, these are the official bodies to contact.
🏦 Call Your Bank First If
Money has moved, card details were shared, banking login or one-time codes were given to the caller, or your bank account looks different. Ask the bank to review recent transactions and place a temporary hold if needed. Use the number on your card or the bank's official app — not a number from the suspicious call.
🆔 Contact IDCARE If
Your identity documents (licence, Medicare, passport) were shared, your identity may have been used to open accounts, or you have received notifications about accounts or credit applications you did not make. IDCARE is Australia's national identity and cyber support service — free and confidential. Visit idcare.org or call 1800 595 160.
🚔 Contact Police If
Money was stolen, someone is pressuring or threatening you, or the situation feels physically unsafe. For financial crime, report to your local police and to the ACCC via Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au). A report helps protect other Australians from the same scam.
⚠️ We are a tech support service — not a legal, financial or identity-theft service. We are happy to help you understand what to do next and who to contact, but for financial losses, identity theft or legal concerns, please contact your bank, IDCARE or police as appropriate. Getting help quickly makes a real difference.
Pricing
Scam Safety Check Costs
| Service | Typical cost | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Device and account scam check Remote access, passwords and security review | $119/hr remote · $149/hr onsite guide | 45 min – 1.5 hours |
| Full lockdown and setup Passwords, 2FA, malware removal and recovery review | $119/hr remote · $149/hr onsite guide | 1.5 – 2.5 hours |
| Follow-up or phone/tablet safety check | $119/hr remote · $149/hr onsite guide | About 1 hour |
Clear Approval. We explain costs clearly before starting. Family members are welcome to be present during the visit.
Common questions
Scam Safety Help FAQs
We check the device for remote-access apps, review account recovery settings, change passwords where needed, turn on two-factor authentication where possible, and walk through what signs to watch for next. We explain everything clearly and go at your pace.
We aim for same-day response for scam-related calls where possible. The faster the lockdown happens, the better. Call or WhatsApp us straight away — we will tell you what to do while you wait.
If money has moved or card details were shared, call your bank first and ask them to place a hold. Then contact us for the device and account check. Both steps are important and they work in parallel.
Yes. Checking for remote-access tools like AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or similar apps is one of the first things we do. If we find one, we remove it, review what access was possible, and secure the device.
Absolutely. We help seniors and their families calmly and clearly — without making anyone feel embarrassed for having taken a call. Scam calls are designed by professionals to fool people. Getting help quickly is the right response.
Message or call us and describe what happened. We can usually help you work out whether it was a scam, a phishing attempt, a legitimate call or a close call — and recommend sensible next steps based on what was shared.
We can explain how to report to Scamwatch, IDCARE or your bank's fraud team, and help you write down what happened. The formal report is made by the customer or family, as it involves personal details only they can verify. We strongly encourage reporting to help other Australians.
We help families across Epping, Wollert, Bundoora, South Morang and nearby suburbs after suspicious calls — calmly and practically.
"We were not sure if it was a scam or a real Telstra call. They came out quickly, checked everything and explained it clearly. We felt so much better afterwards."
Need a Scam Safety Check in Melbourne's North?
Call or WhatsApp to talk through what happened. We can usually help you understand the risk level and organise a same-day visit if needed.
Your IT and Tech Mates · Supporting Melbourne's North · Mon–Sat 9am–7pm
Supporting a senior after a suspicious call or message?
Use the dedicated Senior Scam Safety Review for a calm, technology-focused check with clear boundaries and family involvement by consent.