Trading Standards Update - 12/01/2012 & 26/01/12

12/01/2012 ‘Microsoft’ Scam Telephone Calls Target Business and Consumers

Have you received a phone call from Steve of Microsoft, happy to fix the ‘problem’ with your computer?

Then warn Warwickshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service, you are one of many Warwickshire consumers and businesses who have been targeted by this ‘computer fix’ scam.

The unexpected phone calls come from people who falsely claim to represent Microsoft. Recipients are told that there is a serious problem with their computer that needs’ fixing’. These claims are entirely bogus.

The phone calls are believed to originate from outside the UK and the callers use phone directories and marketing survey information to randomly target the unsuspecting consumer or business – they don’t even know if the recipient has a computer!

The caller asks the computer user to turn on their machine and give them remote access to it, so that the fictitious problem can be rectified.

Giving access to your computer to someone you don't know could lead to your PC becoming infected with viruses and other malware, or your personal or financial information being stolen and used fraudulently. Or you may have software downloaded on to your PC or 'work' done unnecessarily for which you may then be asked for payment.

Awareness of these scams is key to combating them.

• Microsoft do not make unsolicited (unexpected) phone calls to consumers.
• Never allow anyone you don't know or trust to take control of your PC.
• Never download any software on to your PC if you are not certain what it does, where it comes from and that it is safe.
• Never give your credit or debit card number to anyone who you receive an unsolicited call from - they could be criminals and could steal
• your card details.
• If you do think there is some thing wrong with your PC contact a local repair service and go on recommendation.
• For information on how to protect your PC from viruses etc. visit: www.getsafeonline.org

26/01/2012 HMRC Scam

Residents are warned to beware of a new bogus HMRC 'tax rebate' email. The emails carry attachments and a request  for personal and financial details which have to be completed and sent before the 'cheque' is issued.

Warwickshire Trading Standards warn that these are phishing emails sent by criminal gangs with the sole purpose of stealing your personal and financial information.

There is no tax rebate and no money will be sent. Avoid opening phishing emails or any attachments they may contain. Never follow a link in a phishing email - delete them.

26/01/2012 Clairvoyant or Psychic Scams

Warwickshire Trading Standards has received a number of complaints recently about clairvoyant or psychic scam letters. All such letters operate in the same way, offering the receiver 'magic objects', lottery number predictions and 'guaranteed' rewards etc. in return for a small one off payment of £20 - £30. Some requests for payment are backed with 'occult threats' of 'future evil' for those failing to respond.

Whilst most recipients will consider such letters to be complete nonsense, a small number of very vulnerable people each year do fall for these scams and in return they receive every more scams through the post and by telephone. Never respond to a clairvoyant or psychic scam letter.

For more information on all scams, visit our website: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/scams