Warning issued over computer scammers (From Falmouth Packet)

Warning issued over computer scammers

8:10am Monday 23rd January 2012 in News

A Helston man has warned people to be on their guard against “worryingly professional” con-artists trying to gain access to their computers.

Andy Edwards was called at home by a man claiming to be working on behalf of Microsoft Windows, who claimed his PC was infected with a virus and needed fixing.

Andy said: “The man sounded very convincing and told me there was an issue and that he needed to gain access to the machine to fix it.

“He directed me to a website, which was worryingly professional, and he was also very believable.

“After looking at my PC for a while, he then said I needed to pay £200, but when I told him I didn’t have that sort of money, he said it was up to me, and that if the computer broke it was my fault.

“That did not sound very professional to me, and I realised I had not given my phone number to Windows, so they should not be able to contact me.

“I had not heard of this scam before, and I just want other people to be aware of it so that they do not fall victim to it.”

Microsoft have told customers not to fall for the con, stating they do not make unsolicited phone calls. The company’s website states: “Microsoft does not make unsolicited phone calls to help you fix your computer.

“If you receive an unsolicited call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft tech support, hang up. We do not make these kinds of calls.”