My laptop experienced a Data breach and I called the number that flashed on the screen which I believe to be a scammer and I need to know what to do now

suzanne hurst 0 Reputation points
2026-08-06T00:21:31.37+00:00

My laptop was breached and I called the number on the screen and spoke to someone on a Sydney number for over an hour and allowed access to a scammer. What do I do now

Windows for home | Other | Security and privacy

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  1. AI answer

    2026-08-06T00:21:50.55+00:00

    Take these steps immediately:

    1. Disconnect the laptop from the internet to stop any active remote session.
    2. Uninstall any apps the scammer asked to install or any remote-access tools that were added.
    3. Consider resetting the device if the scammer had remote access. This is time-consuming, but it may be the best option if suspicious behavior continues.
    4. Run a full scan with Windows Security or Microsoft Defender Antivirus to remove malware.
    5. Install all available Windows security updates.
    6. Change passwords right away for affected accounts, especially email, Microsoft account, banking, and any account that reused the same password. Use unique passwords.
    7. Turn on multifactor authentication for accounts that support it.
    8. Monitor sign-in activity for unusual access.
    9. Contact the bank or credit card provider immediately if any payment details were shared or any payment was made. Ask them to contest charges and replace affected cards if needed.
    10. Write down what was shared while it is still fresh: passwords, account details, payment details, and what software was installed.
    11. Report the scam to Microsoft at https://www.microsoft.com/reportascam.
    12. If this device is used for work or school, notify the IT department immediately.
    13. If money was lost or identity theft is suspected, report it to local law enforcement.

    Important facts:

    • Microsoft does not make unsolicited phone calls to fix a computer.
    • Real Microsoft error or warning messages do not include a phone number to call.
    • If the scammer only had the name and phone number, there is little else to recover from that alone, but more scam calls may follow.

    If fake alerts, pop-ups, or other suspicious behavior continue after uninstalling software and scanning, resetting the PC is the strongest cleanup step.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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