Suffolk Trading Standards is warning residents to be extra vigilant following telephone calls from people falsely claiming to be Microsoft computer security engineers.
The cold callers are telling residents they are at risk of a computer security threat and go on to offer free security checks.
If this proves to be successful, the victims help the fraudsters gain remote access to their computers.
This gives them access to personal information held on the computer, including account log-in information and bank details, which can be used to commit fraud.
The scammers add authenticity by claiming to represent legitimate companies and use telephone directories to refer to their victims by name. Victims can also end up being asked to pay for the ‘fixes’ the fraudster has made to their computer.
Trading Standards is offering the following advice to consumers:
- Be suspicious of unsolicited calls related to a security problem, even if they claim to represent a respected company
- Never provide personal information, such as credit card or bank details, to an unsolicited caller
- Do not go to a website, type anything into a computer, install software or follow any other instruction from someone who calls out of the blue
- Take the caller’s information down and pass it to the authorities
- Use up-to-date versions of your operating and application software
- Make sure security updates are installed regularly
- Use a strong password and change it regularly
- Make sure the firewall is turned on and that antivirus software is installed and up to date
To help reduce the number of unsolicited calls, consumers can register for the Telephone Preference Service on 0845 070 0707.
For further information or to report a call, residents can contact Consumer Direct 08454 04 05 06 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
