Central Bedfordshire Council’s Trading Standards team is warning residents and small businesses to be aware of a potential Microsoft Windows scam.
We have received a number of reports from consumers who have been cold-called by telephone, whereby the caller claims to be from "Windows Support", or similar, and that they have received an 'error message' or 'virus detected message' sent from your computer. The caller then offers to resolve the problem for you by accessing your computer remotely and for a nominal fee, in the region of £70-100, payable by credit card.
The callers tend to use a "Withheld" or "International" telephone number and reports received suggest the calls are originating from the Far East. When challenged or asked further questions, the callers tend to promptly end the call. There has also been one occassion reported whereby the consumer being called did not even own a computer.
Based on the information received we believe that this is potentially a scam and we would advise anyone to act with extreme caution when receiving such calls.
Our advice to consumers would be, do not allow anybody remote access to your computer unless you are absolutely certain of their intentions. You may find that by allowing one of these callers access to your computer, it's security could potentially be weakened to allow access in the future. Also, do not give your credit card details over the telephone unless you are sure the call is genuine. If you have any doubts as to whether a call is genuine, do not be afraid to hang up.
If you have information about suspect rogue traders or would like to report a possible scam please initially contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06, in order so that all relevant regulatory authorities can be notified.
In the meantime, please visit our website www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/bescamaware for advice and guidance on how to spot a scam and how to avoid becoming a victim.
Kind regards
Trading Standards
(Community Safety and Public Protection)
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