News and press releases
Computer "Virus" Phone Scam Warning
Press release
South Tyneside Council is warning residents to be on their guard against telephone scammers claiming to be from Microsoft Technical Support.
The Council's Trading Standards team has received a number of reports of fraudsters cold calling people and offering to fix a fake computer problem.
They talk the computer owner through a process that makes them believe the computer has a serious virus problem that will make it unusable if they do not act immediately.
Once the scammer has gained the computer owner's trust they direct them to a website and tell them to download a program that gives them 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 payment of a fee.
Councillor Tracey Dixon, Lead Member Leisure and Community Safety, said: "Anyone who receives an unsolicited call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft should hang up. Never give your personal information or cash or credit card details over the phone.
"In the cases that have come to light there has never been anything wrong with the computer. The computer owner has paid for an unnecessary service or bogus software and also given a complete stranger access to every piece of data on their machine.
"This has put them at great risk of identity theft because most computers contain personal information, such as bank login details. The computer could also have been infected with malicious software including viruses and spyware.
"We strongly advise anyone who has allowed somebody to take control of their computer remotely, or who has downloaded suspicious software, to take it to a reputable computer repair shop to have it thoroughly checked out.
"You would not let a total stranger into your home to rummage through your personal financial details, so please do not allow the scammer access to your computer."
If you have received one of these scam calls and would like advice, contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
Pres/er/hsrs/ts/dcpr084dc
