‘I’ve Been Hacked!’ PC Parlor’s Scam Recovery Guide

Most days at PC Parlor, we hear the same worried words: “I’ve been hacked!”

More and more people are walking through our doors—or calling us in a panic—concerned that “hackers” have taken control of their computer and now have access to their bank accounts, email, or personal information. With online scams on the rise, it’s an understandable fear in today’s environment.

A suspicious pop-up, a convincing phone call, or even a single click on the wrong link can make it feel like your entire digital life is at risk. If this happens to you, don’t panic—but do act quickly. Disconnect from the internet, avoid entering any passwords, and seek professional help right away. The sooner the issue is addressed, the better the chances of protecting your data.

Here’s the important truth: in the vast majority of cases we see, people weren’t actually “hacked”—they were “scammed!” They are just too embarrassed to admit it.

There’s no need to feel embarrassed. These scams are designed to trick even the most cautious users. Being honest from the start about what happened helps us determine the best and fastest way to resolve the issue. In all cases, if you suspect some unauthorized user has the potential to gain access to your bank or other financial institution, immediate contact the entity in question and put a hold on the account.

So what’s the difference?

Being “hacked” typically means someone gained access by exploiting a technical vulnerability—such as malware, password cracking, or network attacks—without your knowledge.

Being “scammed,” on the other hand, usually involves social engineering. This means the scammer tricks you into giving them access yourself. Common examples include:

• Installing remote access programs like TeamViewer, AnyDesk, LogMeIn, Screen Coonect or Screen Share
• Sharing passwords or verification codes
• Clicking phishing links that capture login information
• Calling fake “tech support” numbers and allowing someone to control your computer

In simple terms:

A hacker forces their way in.

A scammer convinces you to let them in.

Scammers rely on fear tactics—such as locking your screen or displaying alarming warnings—to pressure you into calling a number right away. If this happens, don’t panic. A simple and effective first step is to perform a hard shutdown by holding the power button until your computer turns off. In many cases this simple step of rebooting your computer alone will remove the lock screen and restore normal access.

If you’re unsure about what occurred, it’s important not to guess. Getting the right help quickly can make all the difference. Fortunately, you may not need to bring your computer into a repair shop. A quick call to PC Parlor can often help identify what happened. With the right guidance, you may be able to resolve the issue quickly over the phone and get you back to your browsing and emails.

With over 500 5-star Yelp reviews, PC Parlor has proudly served the South Bay and surrounding areas for more than 26 years. Over the decades it has serviced over 10,000 patrons and has built a strong reputation as a trusted local staple, known for honest and dependable computer repair, reliable maintenance, and expert IT solutions.