An Anglesey woman is warning computer users to be on their guard after a bogus caller tried to force her into buying unwanted software.
Sian Thomas, of Bodorgan, has thanked the County Council’s Trading Standards Section for its support and guidance after received a phone call from someone claiming to work for Microsoft.
After a short conversation, the caller claimed that her laptop was infected with a virus and that paying for a “Microsoft anti virus package” would solve the problem.
Sian explained, “Unfortunately, I was expecting a call from a computer company as I’d been having problems with my laptop, so at first, I was happy to speak to this person.” “What followed a very persistent sales pitch, trying to bully me into buying this anti-virus software. When I eventually told him that I didn’t need it, he warned that hackers would be able to access my bank details and later even threatened to send someone round to my home to collect money for anti-virus software I didn’t even want!”
She added, “It was a really frightening experience. These cold callers are very clever and prey on people’s uncertainty and fears.”
Trading Standards Officers on Anglesey were able to help Sian and put her mind at ease. They’re now warning all internet users to be wary of unsolicited telephone calls concerning fictitious computer issues.
Senior Enforcement Officer Martin Wyn Jones explained, “Our investigations reveal that complaints of this type are widespread with bogus callers, who appear to be based in India, claiming to work for Microsoft.”
”I’d urge consumers to be vigilant, and follow Sian’s example by contacting Trading Standards if they receive similar telephone calls. If you receive a cold call, you can be caught off guard and may be tricked into disclosing important information. Don’t give any personal information, in particular financial details, over the phone and never let anyone to remotely access your PC unless you are 100% satisfied with who you’re dealing with.”
The advice given by Trading Standards is that effective online security is crucial, and users should ensure that their PCs are running up-to-date anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall software. However, good security need not be complicated or expensive – many security vendors provide free versions of their software for personal use. Anglesey Trading Standards advise PC users to read up on online security via www.getsafeonline.org .
They also advise turning off any ‘auto-preview’ features in their email software, and encourage all email users to observe their tips for avoiding email spam (Avoiding Spam).
If you are a consumer or business on Anglesey and have been targeted in a similar way and concerned that your PC may have been infected or that your personal details may have been disclosed to a third party, then please contact Anglesey Trading Standards for advice on (01248) 752 840 or [email protected]
