Computer conmen targets islanders 30/7/10
Islanders risk losing money by a computer scam. Conmen are tricking people by claiming they have detected a serious fault with their computer.
They telephone and pretend to be from Microsoft or an IT service provider.
Consumers are asked to log onto a website where the caller can remotely access their computer. The consumer is also asked for their bank account details, and a payment is deducted for an expensive maintenance contract.
Western Isles Trading Standards are advising consumers not to provide unknown callers with any information or personal details.
A spokesperson said: "Scammers are clever and will try to con you out of
money.
“Scammers will try and dupe you into believing that their offer is unique, and often you are contacted out of the blue and put under pressure to make a quick decision.
“In this particular scam as well as providing someone you don't know
with bank account details, for a maintenance contract that doesn't
exist, more importantly, by giving the cybercriminals remote access to
your PC they may be able to access passwords and online payment details stored on your computer."
Further information is available at:
www.microsoft.com/protect/fraud/phishing/msname.aspx
www.techeye.net/security/microsoft-