Computer shop issues PC scam warning
THE owner of a Pinchbeck computer shop has warned Free Press readers of a telephone scam.
The caller claims to be from Microsoft Security and tells you that you have critical errors on your computer, which is about to crash.
They will guide you into your computer’s error log where you will see lots of error warnings, quite normal for all computers.
The caller proceeds to tell you that their Microsoft engineer can fix all the errors for you. Your call is then transferred to an ‘engineer’ who will ask you to download a small programme and asks you to pay between £80 and £150.
Once your payment has been processed, the engineer then controls your computer and clears the error log.
Steve Timewell, of Lincolnshire Computers in Fennell Road, said: “When they call you, tell them the police have lent you some recording equipment and you are recording this call, in order for them to investigate.
“The caller will then either immediately hang up or will explain that they cannot proceed due to a technical error.”
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Comments
There are 3 comments to this article
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Mr Angry of Tonbridge
Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 01:04 PM"Click." I'm sorry we apear to have been cut off.
Lazy Daisy
Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 10:35 AMNever trust anyone who contacts you unexpectedly (cold calling). If you have a problem, go to someone you trust. It is worth paying a little more for peace of mind.
Older Not Wiser
Monday, January 30, 2012 at 04:12 PMYes, I think many of us here have had a similar experience. I was plagued by such calls for a long time. The most efficient means of getting rid of the caller was ultimately to inform him that I didn't have a computer. Joining the TPS is a great idea (and free) - The Telephone Preference Service. It should reduce unwanted calls to an absolute minimum.
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