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Before You Let Anyone Remotely Access Your Computer: 7 Things to Check

Remote access lets another person see and control your screen. That is appropriate when you called a helper you trust. It is a common step in tech-support scams when a stranger called you.

You do not need to understand the software. You need to know who asked, whether you can stop them, and whether money or passwords are part of the request. RingMyTech uses remote help only after a member requests support and gives permission. You can watch, and you can end it.

The seven checks

  1. Did you contact them, or did they contact you? Help you requested is a different situation from a surprise call or pop-up.
  2. Can you reach them at a number or website you looked up yourself? Caller ID and the number painted on a warning screen are not proof.
  3. Are they asking to be paid by gift card, wire, cryptocurrency, or a code you read aloud? RingMyTech memberships are billed through checkout, not gift cards.
  4. Are they rushing you, or saying the computer will be destroyed or you will be arrested if you hang up? Urgency is a tactic. A real problem can wait five minutes.
  5. Will you be able to watch the screen and stop the session? If they tell you not to look, refuse.
  6. Are they asking for your Social Security number, Medicare number, full banking password, or a one-time text code? Those are not required to fix a printer or a browser.
  7. Does one trusted person know this is happening? If the caller said not to tell your family, that is the reason to tell them.

What legitimate support looks like

You started the request. The helper explains what they are about to do. You can see the pointer move. They pause when you are unsure. They do not install unknown "security" tools from a pop-up. They disconnect when the task is finished. RingMyTech sessions may be recorded for quality assurance, and we say so.

What not to share

  • One-time login codes
  • Full banking passwords
  • Social Security or Medicare numbers
  • Gift card numbers
  • A request that you lie to your bank

If you already said yes

Disconnect from the internet so the session drops. If accounts or money were visible, call the bank on the number from your card. Change email and financial passwords from a different device if you can. Report what happened at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and IC3. Then ask a helper you chose, not the original caller, to look at the computer with you. More paths are on Scam help.

Printable checklist

  • I contacted them, or I can call back on a number I looked up.
  • Nobody is demanding a gift card, wire, or crypto payment.
  • I can see the screen and I know how to disconnect.
  • I will not read passwords or one-time codes aloud.
  • A trusted person knows I am allowing this, if I want them to know.

Unsure whether something is legitimate?

Call RingMyTech before you approve the connection. We would rather spend ten minutes on a false alarm than hear about a gift card afterward.

Unsure Whether Something Is Legitimate? Ask RingMyTech Call (888) 981-TECH

Related RingMyTech guidance

Sources

RingMyTech explains these topics in plain language. The agencies below publish the primary guidance.