Warning About Telephone Tech Support Scam (From Stroud News and Journal)

Warning About Telephone Tech Support Scam

12:00pm Wednesday 23rd December 2009

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Gloucestershire Police are warning residents about a telephone scam where internet users have received unsolicited calls concerning fictitious computer issues, in order to install viruses or gain banking details. The warning comes after officers received a report from a Gloucestershire woman who was telephoned by a man claiming that he worked for Microsoft.

The caller stated that there was a fault with her computer and that it could be fixed if certain instructions were followed, which would allow the caller remote access to the PC.

The woman became suspicious of the call and refused to give any details or follow any instructions.

Crime Prevention Officer, Paul Francis, from Gloucestershire Police said, “This woman did exactly the right thing in refusing to give any details over the phone or to follow any instructions for inputting information into her computer.

“Had the caller been allowed remote access to the computer they could have been able to install viruses on it and even access her files.

“Similar calls have been received elsewhere in the country where the caller has also asked for banking details in order for the ‘repair work’ to be paid for.”

There was nothing wrong with the woman’s computer and she hadn’t logged any computer issues with any tech support agencies or service providers. “Our advice is that you treat all ‘cold calls’ with suspicion and that you always make enquiries with the company or organisation to confirm the call is genuine. For example, ask the caller for their full name, the telephone number of their head office and the location where they work. Genuine callers will be happy to confirm these details.

“Online security is also vital and we would encourage internet users to make sure that their computer’s security is up to date.”

More information about online security can be found at www.getsafeonline.org

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