Did someone access your computer remotely, install an unfamiliar app, or trick you into opening a suspicious link? AgeHelper provides hands-on Windows, Mac, iPhone and Android troubleshooting at your home, focusing on device checks, unwanted software, browser cleanup and account security settings.
Request a Home Security Check — $50/HourScheduled technical support, not a 24-hour emergency response or a guarantee that a compromised device is clean.
If a stranger may still be connected or passwords or money were exposed, these steps matter more than waiting for an appointment.
Official guidance: FTC — What To Do if You Were Scammed. In an actual emergency, contact appropriate emergency services.
We work on the device itself, not just discuss the scam. The right steps depend on what was installed, what access was granted and whether there is evidence of persistent compromise.
We review installed and running remote support tools such as AnyDesk, TeamViewer, UltraViewer, ScreenConnect and similar programs. We inspect authorized access settings, services and startup entries and can uninstall unwanted software with your permission.
Removing an app does not prove that all access or malware has been eliminated.
We examine security warnings, operating-system updates, suspicious processes and installed applications. When appropriate, we use available trusted security scanners, such as Windows Security or an established on-demand scanner, to investigate potential threats.
We inspect Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari for misleading website notifications, altered homepages, search engine changes and unwanted browser extensions. We remove or reset only what is appropriate after reviewing saved preferences and bookmarks.
We review supported login items, scheduled tasks, background applications and permissions that might allow software to run automatically. We distinguish legitimate tools from unauthorized additions rather than deleting unfamiliar entries indiscriminately.
We guide the owner through changing credentials from a trusted device and reviewing supported sign-in history, forwarding rules, recovery information, logged-in sessions and multifactor authentication for services such as Gmail, Outlook, Apple Account and Microsoft accounts.
We review unfamiliar apps, device management or accessibility permissions, software updates, suspicious messages and account settings on supported smartphones. If a phone number or SIM appears compromised, your mobile carrier must handle that service.
After a fake technical support call, a computer may contain unnecessary “PC cleaners,” security subscriptions or browser utilities. We identify unwanted programs and review how to remove them safely without disrupting legitimate applications.
We examine available backup options and help assess whether important photos or documents can be preserved before changes. Serious compromise may call for a clean reinstall, a new device or specialist incident response. We discuss data-loss risks before proceeding.
We investigate, explain what we find and make authorized changes to the computer or phone. An ordinary post-scam check is not a forensic certification that a device is free from every threat.
We review the technical sequence: a link was clicked, a program was installed, a screen was shared, or a password was entered. We identify devices and accounts that may require attention before deciding which checks are appropriate.
We inspect installed software, remote control configurations, startup applications and relevant permissions. With approval, we disable or uninstall unwanted access tools, without claiming that this removes every possible persistence mechanism.
We review antivirus status, system updates, scan results, browser notifications, extensions and signs of suspicious redirects. Offline and online scans serve different purposes; we use the option suited to the device and situation.
Using a trusted device, we guide the owner through official password changes, multifactor authentication, session review and recovery details where supported. The owner enters passwords and security codes privately; AgeHelper does not need to know them.
We review what was checked, what changed and what cannot be verified in a consumer support visit. When the system may still be untrustworthy, we discuss backups, clean installation and appropriate specialist help, then leave clear notes for the client.
These real-world technical problems help determine whether you need browser cleanup, a deeper security review or official account recovery.
We can check remote desktop software, suspicious changes and security scan results. Microsoft does not make unsolicited calls to fix your computer, and genuine Microsoft error messages do not include numbers to call. We cannot promise that removing one program makes the PC trustworthy.
Use a different trusted device to contact your bank immediately and secure affected accounts. During a visit, we can help review the computer, browser, installed applications and supported account security settings, without accessing the client’s funds or providing financial advice.
We help navigate the provider’s official recovery options and review forwarding rules, recovery addresses, unfamiliar sessions and multifactor authentication. A phishing page does not always install malware, but the account may still need attention.
We check whether the warning comes from a web page, push notifications, browser extensions or installed software. Many fake alerts are not evidence of a system infection, but repeated problems may justify a scanner and browser review.
On supported Android or iPhone models, we review installed apps, notification and accessibility permissions, available updates and account sign-in settings. More serious phone compromise or unsupported devices may require a specialist or a factory reset with backup planning.
If an attacker had broad access or malware persists, a clean reinstall can be more reliable than repeated cleanup attempts. We discuss the trade-off, the risks of copying untrusted files and whether a professional data recovery or incident response service is appropriate.
A security check may uncover practical account, phone and device tasks. We can help with supported settings and the official processes controlled by the client.
We assist with reviewing trusted phone numbers, recovery addresses, sign-in methods and multifactor authentication on supported Apple, Google, Microsoft and email accounts. The customer approves changes and keeps credentials private.
We explain unique passwords, reputable password managers and safe storage of recovery codes. We do not automatically write new banking passwords in a shared notebook or request access to the customer's password vault.
We can review browser updates, notification controls, safe-browsing settings and compatible reputable content blockers. No extension, antivirus or filter can prevent every scam or future infection.
We help configure supported spam call, text and email filtering on the resident's existing devices and explain how to review blocked messages. These tools may miss scams or occasionally flag legitimate contacts.
If sensitive identity information may have been exposed, we can help the resident navigate official credit bureau websites or IdentityTheft.gov and understand where the account holder takes action. Credit bureau decisions, fraud claims and legal matters remain with the individual and responsible institutions.
We can help locate an independently verified phone number from a bank card or official website and organize technical account steps requested by the provider. AgeHelper cannot reverse transactions, freeze funds or guarantee reimbursement.
$50/Hour
Hands-on in-home technical assistance for supported Windows computers, Macs, iPhones and Android phones in Greater Austin. Visit length depends on the devices, software, account access and severity of the issue. Backup drives, purchased software, specialist services or reinstall work may involve separate costs. Contact us to confirm availability and potential additional charges.
Request an In-Home Device Security VisitAgeHelper also provides individual computer, phone and account support when a post-scam check identifies other technical needs.
Answers about remote access apps, malware scans, Windows, Mac, phone security and in-home technical checks in Austin.
We can review installed applications and remote-access settings on a supported computer, then remove unauthorized software with the owner's permission. Legitimate remote tools are not always malicious, and uninstalling one program cannot guarantee that a scammer has no other access or stolen credentials.
We can inspect visible remote access processes, services, startup items and connection settings and look for suspicious activity. These checks have limits: we cannot guarantee detection of every hidden persistence method or prove that no data was previously copied.
If unauthorized remote access may be active, disconnecting Wi-Fi or Ethernet can interrupt that internet connection. It does not undo theft of data, remove malware or guarantee future safety. Use another trusted device for account recovery until the affected computer has been assessed.
We can review trusted built-in Windows security tools and, where appropriate, supported reputable scanners. Tool availability and scan choice depend on the system. A clean scan does not guarantee that every threat has been found.
We can identify many fake browser warnings, close suspicious sessions, review site notification permissions and extensions, and check for unwanted software. A website warning does not automatically mean the computer is infected. More serious symptoms may require further investigation.
We can guide the account owner through supported password resets, multifactor authentication, sign-in and session review, forwarding settings and recovery contact checks using official account tools. Important changes should be made from a trusted device, and we do not ask the owner to reveal passwords or security codes.
Yes. We can review supported device updates, installed apps, permissions, account settings and suspicious messages. Clicking a link does not always install malware. If a device may have a serious compromise, we can explain when manufacturer support or specialist help is appropriate.
No. Basic checks and removal of unwanted programs can reduce risk but cannot prove the absence of every threat. Significant unauthorized access may require a clean operating-system reinstall, credential resets, replacement equipment or a specialist incident response team.
We try to preserve important data and discuss backups before significant changes. Malware damage, storage failure, security cleanup and reinstallation can result in data loss, and some files may not be recoverable. We cannot guarantee preservation of every file.
Contact the bank, card issuer or payment provider immediately using an independently verified number. From a separate trusted device, secure affected accounts. We can help with the computer and account settings, but cannot stop payments, recover money or provide financial or legal advice.
Yes, a family member can contact us to discuss a scheduled visit in Greater Austin. We perform device checks and account changes only with the resident's or authorized owner's informed permission. We do not monitor devices or accounts without consent.
AgeHelper's advertised rate is $50 per hour. The total depends on how many devices and accounts need review and how complex the issue is. Purchased software, backup storage and specialist work are separate; contact us to confirm availability and other potential costs before booking.
In-home Windows, Mac and smartphone troubleshooting in Austin. Describe the technical issue and we can discuss a visit.