Consumers warned to be on guard over phone scam

Trading standards has received numerous reports of unsolicited phone calls from people saying they are from the software company’s technical support team, requesting personal or financial information often in return for offering to fix a computer. Consumers are unwittingly convinced to part with their cash for nothing in exchange.

The scammers make these phone calls with the intention of stealing money and personal information; they are not providing a genuine service. If they gain access to home computers, they may also damage these with malicious software (malware) including viruses and spyware.

Microsoft does not make unsolicited phone calls, asking for personal or financial information, or send out communication about security updates without receiving a request.

Councillor Cecilia Motley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for trading standards, said: “Fraudsters pretending to be Microsoft workers have been ‘cold calling’ people and attempting to trick them into handing over credit card details or downloading information-stealing malicious software.

“I urge consumers and businesses to treat all unsolicited phone calls with scepticism and to never provide any personal information.”

Paulina Poplawska, Fair Trading Officer with the trading standards service, said: “We would advise internet users to upgrade to the most recent and secure version of their web browser. Internet Explorer 6 users have been asked by Microsoft to upgrade to a newer version to protect themselves from online threats such as malware, phishing and click-jacking.”

She added that while the fraudsters in this particular scam say they are from Microsoft, people should be aware that other names of well-known companies are frequently used in similar scams, as it makes their communication appear more genuine.

For more information about consumer rights, call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.