How to Spot Fake Remote Access Tool Scams Targeting Australian Small Businesses

Scams & Phishing KB-691

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to Spot Fake Remote Access Tool Scams Targeting Australian Small Businesses. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Quick Tip: Need immediate assistance? 💻 Open a Ticket

Common Causes

Remote access scams are a growing threat to Australian small businesses. In these attacks, criminals impersonate IT support staff from well-known companies or your managed service provider to convince you to install remote access tools such as AnyDesk or TeamViewer. Once installed, the scammer gains full control of your computer to steal data, install malware, or lock you out of your own systems.

Quick Fix Steps

Do not install any remote access software unless you initiated the contact with 220 Internet Services.
End the call or delete the message immediately if you did not request support.
Never share your screen, passwords, or one-time codes with an unsolicited caller.
If you already installed remote access software, disconnect the device from the internet and Open a Ticket.

How These Scams Work

Scammers typically contact you by phone, email, or SMS claiming there is a problem with your internet, email, or computer security. They may use professional language and spoofed caller IDs to appear legitimate. Their goal is to create urgency and persuade you to download a remote access tool so they can "fix" the issue.

Common Tactics

Claiming your computer is sending viruses or has been hacked.
Pretending to be from Microsoft, Apple, NBN, or your internet provider.
Saying your email account has been compromised and needs immediate access.
Offering a "refund" or "credit" that requires remote access to process.
Pressuring you to act quickly to avoid service disconnection.

How to Spot a Fake Remote Access Request

Unsolicited Contact

220 Internet Services will never call you out of the blue and ask you to install remote access software. If you receive an unexpected call claiming to be from IT support, treat it as suspicious.

Requests to Install Software

Be wary of anyone asking you to download AnyDesk, TeamViewer, QuickSupport, or similar remote access tools. Legitimate support will only use remote access after you have opened a ticket through Open a Ticket and agreed to a scheduled session.

Pressure and Urgency

Scammers use fear and urgency to rush you into decisions. They may claim your business will lose internet access or data within minutes. Take time to verify the request through official channels.

Requests for Passwords or Codes

No legitimate IT support technician will ever ask for your password, multi-factor authentication code, or one-time SMS code over the phone.

What to Do If You Are Targeted

Hang up or stop responding to the message.
Do not install any software they recommend.
Do not provide remote access to your computer.
Do not share passwords, security codes, or banking details.
Block the caller or sender.
Report the incident to Scamwatch.
If you are unsure whether a contact is legitimate, Open a Ticket through the official support portal.

If You Already Granted Remote Access

Act immediately if you have allowed a scammer remote access to your device. Delaying can allow them to steal data, install persistent malware, or compromise your business accounts.

Disconnect the affected computer from the internet by unplugging the Ethernet cable or turning off Wi-Fi.
Power off the device to stop any active remote session.
Contact 220 Internet Services via Open a Ticket from a different, secure device.
Change passwords for email, banking, and business accounts from a clean device.
Have your IT provider scan the affected computer for malware and unauthorised software.
Remove any remote access tools you did not intentionally install, such as AnyDesk or TeamViewer.

How to Protect Your Business

Only allow remote access sessions that you have initiated through Open a Ticket.
Train staff to recognise unsolicited tech support calls.
Install and maintain reputable security software on all business devices.
Enable multi-factor authentication on email and critical business accounts.
Keep operating systems and applications updated with the latest security patches.
Regularly review installed programs and uninstall unfamiliar remote access tools.

Remember: 220 Internet Services will never ask you to install remote access software over an unsolicited phone call. If in doubt, end the call and contact us through the official support portal at Open a Ticket.

Still Having Issues?

Need more help? If the issue persists after trying these steps, please open a support ticket and our team will assist you.

💻 Open a Ticket