Computer Fault Scam – 01 June 2012Norfolk County Council Trading Standards are again reminding residents to be aware and to warn others that the Computer Fault Scam is continuing to target people in our area.
The scam starts with a phone call from individuals who claim to work for internationally known computer software companies. The caller advises that there is a problem with the user’s computer and that the caller can help fix it. The caller may ask the user to open a particular Internet link, which indicates that the computer has a number of errors. Before ‘correcting’ the errors remotely, the caller requests an upfront fee. The aim is to con money out of you or collect identity and bank details.
If these callers do not succeed in obtain any information out of you on the first contact they are known to try calling again on several occasions. Trading Standards are also aware of victims who having fallen victim to this scam being targeted again weeks or months later, some numerous times.
Trading Standards advises all residents to be very wary of any offer made during a cold call and not to buy items or commit to services if you are approached this way.
If you receive a scam call like this you can report it to Action Fraud via their online fraud reporting tool or to the Citizens Advice consumer helpline via their online reporting form or call 08454 04 05 06
I've had 5 of these calls in a month! I play along then leave them listening to the radio 'while my computer warms up' ... they seem to get tired after 5 minutes. ;-)
The scam starts with a phone call from individuals who claim to work for internationally known computer software companies. The caller advises that there is a problem with the user’s computer and that the caller can help fix it. The caller may ask the user to open a particular Internet link, which indicates that the computer has a number of errors. Before ‘correcting’ the errors remotely, the caller requests an upfront fee. The aim is to con money out of you or collect identity and bank details.
If these callers do not succeed in obtain any information out of you on the first contact they are known to try calling again on several occasions. Trading Standards are also aware of victims who having fallen victim to this scam being targeted again weeks or months later, some numerous times.
Trading Standards advises all residents to be very wary of any offer made during a cold call and not to buy items or commit to services if you are approached this way.
If you receive a scam call like this you can report it to Action Fraud via their online fraud reporting tool or to the Citizens Advice consumer helpline via their online reporting form or call 08454 04 05 06
I've had 5 of these calls in a month! I play along then leave them listening to the radio 'while my computer warms up' ... they seem to get tired after 5 minutes. ;-)
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