Beware of Fake Telstra Calls: How to Spot Computer Scams & Get Your Device Clean

Don't Fall for It — Fake Telstra Calls Are Targeting Australians Right Now

If you've received a call from someone claiming to be from Telstra, warning you that your internet is about to be cut off or that your computer has been hacked — you're not alone. This is one of the most common tech support scams targeting Australians, and it's costing people thousands of dollars every year.

At TECHWERX, we've helped many customers recover from these scams. Here's everything you need to know to protect yourself — and what to do if you've already been targeted.

What Is the Fake Telstra Scam?

Scammers impersonate Telstra (or other telcos like Optus or NBN Co) and call you out of the blue. They'll claim one of the following:

• Your internet connection is about to be disconnected
• Your computer has been hacked or infected with a virus
• Suspicious activity has been detected on your account
• Your IP address has been compromised

They sound professional, urgent, and convincing. Their goal is to get you to:

• Download remote access software (like AnyDesk or TeamViewer)
• Give them access to your computer
• Log into your bank account while they watch
• Pay for fake "security services" via gift cards or bank transfer

Telstra will NEVER call you unsolicited and ask for remote access to your computer or your banking details.

Warning Signs of a Tech Support Scam

Here's how to spot a fake call before it's too late:

• Unsolicited contact — You didn't call them first
• Urgency and fear tactics — "Your internet will be cut off in 24 hours!"
• Requests for remote access — Legitimate companies don't need to take over your computer
• Asking for gift cards or wire transfers — No real company accepts payment this way
• Caller ID spoofing — The number may look like a real Telstra number
• Scripted, high-pressure responses — Many scam calls originate overseas

What Happens If You Give Them Access?

If a scammer gains remote access to your device, they can:

• Install malware, spyware, or ransomware
• Steal saved passwords and banking credentials
• Access your emails, files, and personal documents
• Lock you out of your own computer and demand a ransom
• Use your device to attack others

Even if you hang up quickly, if they had access — even briefly — your device may already be compromised.

What To Do Immediately If You've Been Scammed

1. Disconnect from the internet — Turn off your Wi-Fi or unplug your ethernet cable immediately to cut off their access.
2. Do NOT log into your bank — Don't touch your banking apps or websites until your device is clean.
3. Contact your bank straight away — Call your bank's fraud line immediately. They can freeze your accounts and monitor for suspicious transactions. Most Australian banks have 24/7 fraud lines.
4. Change your passwords from a different device — Use your phone or another computer to update your email, banking, and other important passwords.
5. Report the scam — Report it to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) and the Australian Cyber Security Centre (cyber.gov.au).
6. Bring your device to a professional — Don't assume the threat is gone just because you hung up.

How TECHWERX Can Help

At TECHWERX, we specialise in diagnosing and cleaning devices that have been compromised by scammers. Our malware removal service includes:

• Full system scan and threat assessment — We identify every piece of malware, spyware, or remote access tool left behind
• Complete malware removal — We safely remove all threats without losing your important files
• Remote access software removal — We uninstall any tools the scammers installed (AnyDesk, TeamViewer, etc.)
• Password and security audit — We help you identify which accounts may have been exposed
• Banking reconnection support — We make sure your device is completely clean before you log back into your bank
• Security hardening — We set up proper antivirus protection and advise you on how to stay safe going forward

We understand how stressful this experience can be. These scammers are highly sophisticated and target people of all ages and backgrounds. There's no shame in being targeted — what matters is acting quickly.

Getting Back to Normal

Once your device is clean, we'll walk you through reconnecting safely with your bank. We recommend:

• Setting up two-factor authentication (2FA) on your banking app
• Using a unique, strong password for your banking login
• Regularly monitoring your accounts for unusual transactions
• Never saving banking passwords in your browser

Book a Malware Removal Service Today

If you've received a suspicious call or think your device may have been compromised, don't wait. The sooner we assess your device, the better the outcome.

Contact TECHWERX today — we'll get your device clean, your data safe, and your banking access restored so you can get back to normal with complete peace of mind.