Someone had me install AnyDesk on my Mac: what to do now

Real companies like Apple, Norton, McAfee, Geek Squad, Amazon and your bank do not call you out of the blue and ask you to install AnyDesk or TeamViewer. If that happened, assume a scammer could see or control your Mac. The good news is you can cut them off right now, and most damage can be stopped if you act quickly.

Free human help is at capacity right now. If you want help while you fix this, Ellis, our AI assistant, can help you by phone now. The first 5 minutes are free when you call (928) 272-0355. If you want more time, phone help is $19 one time for up to 30 minutes, used over 14 days. No subscription. Ellis is an AI and can make mistakes.

Call Ellis (928) 272-0355 $19 phone help, up to 30 minutes

Refundable anytime: just ask with a reason at joe@adorellc.pro or text 928-272-0355.

Steps

  1. Hang up the phone and do not call back any number the person gave you. Do not let them talk you through anything else.
  2. Turn off Wi-Fi on the Mac right away: click the Wi-Fi icon at the top right of the screen and switch Wi-Fi off. This ends any remote session.
  3. Quit AnyDesk or TeamViewer: click its name in the top menu bar and choose Quit, or press Command and Q while it is open.
  4. Delete the app: open Finder, click Applications, find AnyDesk (or TeamViewer, UltraViewer, LogMeIn or similar), drag it to the Trash, then empty the Trash.
  5. Remove its permissions: open the Apple menu, then System Settings, then Privacy and Security. Under Screen Recording, Accessibility and Full Disk Access, turn off or remove anything you do not recognize.
  6. If you gave a card number, bank login or paid with gift cards, call your bank or card company using the number on the back of your card. Tell them it was a tech support scam and ask them to block the charge and watch the account.
  7. From a different device, like your phone, change the password for your email first, then your bank and Apple ID. Turn on two step verification where it is offered.
  8. Turn Wi-Fi back on only after the app is gone. Restart the Mac and check that AnyDesk does not reappear in Applications.
  9. Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. If money was lost, also report it at ic3.gov.

Common questions

Is AnyDesk a virus?

No. AnyDesk is a real remote access app that many companies use. The problem is who you let in. Scammers use it because it gives them a live view of your screen and lets them move your mouse.

Can they still get in after I hang up?

They can while the app is open and your Mac is online. Quitting the app, turning off Wi-Fi and deleting it ends that access.

They said my Norton subscription renewed and offered a refund. Is that real?

Almost never. Fake Norton, McAfee and Geek Squad renewal emails are a common setup. The refund story is used to get you to install remote access and then open your bank account.

Do I need to wipe my Mac?

Usually not. Deleting the remote app, removing its permissions and changing your passwords is enough for most people. If you are unsure, Ellis can walk you through checking your Mac by phone.

Will Ellis ask to take over my computer?

Ellis helps by phone and will never ask for your passwords or bank details. Ellis is an AI assistant, and it will tell you so.

Free human help is at capacity right now. If you want help while you fix this, Ellis, our AI assistant, can help you by phone now. The first 5 minutes are free when you call (928) 272-0355. If you want more time, phone help is $19 one time for up to 30 minutes, used over 14 days. No subscription. Ellis is an AI and can make mistakes.

Call Ellis (928) 272-0355 $19 phone help, up to 30 minutes

Refundable anytime: just ask with a reason at joe@adorellc.pro or text 928-272-0355.

Ellis is an AI tech support assistant from 5 Star Consultants, a division of Adore LLC. Privacy Terms