Warning over cold call computer scam

Denbighshire Trading Standards is renewing its warning to residents to be extra vigilant following  reports of  telephone calls from a company falsely claiming to be a Manager from “Windows Computer Software in London” .

The cold callers are telling residents that their computers security is threatened and go on to offer free security checks.

If the initial sales pitch is successful, the victims help the fraudsters gain remote access to their computers via visiting a website called www.ammyy.com.

By visiting the site and downloading the legal software, it gives the scammers access to your computer and potentially to personal information that you may have on the computer,  for example account log-in information and bank details, all of which could be used to commit fraud.

Emlyn Jones, Denbighshire’s Public Protection Manager said: “Residents should be aware that neither Microsoft or its partners make unsolicited calls to charge for computer security or fixes.  If individuals need check then they should go to the official Microsoft website.”

   Trading Standards is offering the following advice to consumers:

§        Be suspicious of unsolicited calls related to a computer or other 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
§        If you can, take the caller’s information down and pass it to the authorities, but if you are         uncomfortable with the caller, simply put the phone down.
§        Use up-to-date versions of your operating and application software
§        Make sure security updates are installed regularly
§        Make sure the firewall is turned on and that anti-virus software is installed and up to date
§        If you have any concerns about your computer, take to a local/ reputable expert to check it out

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 such a call, residents can contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 04 05 06 or 08454 04 05 05 for the Welsh language service