South Holland residents warned over computer phone scam

Lincolnshire Trading Standards is warning residents to beware telephone scammers claiming to be from a major PC or software company.

It has received a number of reports that fraudsters are cold calling people and offering to fix a fake computer problem. They claim that your computer has a serious virus and it will become unusable if they don’t act immediately.

Once the scammer has tricked their victim, they are directed to a website and told to download a program, but this gives the scammer remote access to the computer.

The scammer then takes control of the computer and claims to know exactly what the problem is and how to fix it. At this point the scammer requests a payment.

If you think you may have been a victim of this scam or know someone who has, please contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk

For more information please visit: http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/security/online-privacy/avoid-phone-scams.aspx
You can also get advice on how to avoid scams by calling the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 040506 or visit www.adviceguide.org.uk