Trading Standards Officers on Anglesey are warning Internet surfers to be wary of ‘cold calls’ about fictitious computer problems.
The advice comes after complaints from residents targeted by a unsolicited caller claiming to work for an online computer technical support website.
The caller claimed that the computer was infected with a virus and asked for personal details, including credit card information. The calls often included an aggressive and persistent sale pitch aimed at convincing consumers to buy security software and technical support.
The caller used scare tactics, telling the consumers that their PCs would be damaged beyond repair unless they signed up immediately.
Attempts by the India-based company to sell their services were completely fraudulent as, in most cases, there was nothing wrong with the PC. The consumers targeted had not logged any computer issues with anyone, and it appears that they were targeted at random.
Anglesey’s Senior Enforcement Officer, Martin Wyn Jones, sits on the North Wales Internet Enforcement Sub-Group. He explained, “We’ve received a number of similar complaints from Anglesey consumers involving two different companies based in India. Our investigations reveal that complaints of this type are widespread. Some reports claim that callers purport to be calling from Microsoft.”
He added, “I’d urge people to be vigilant when they receive telephone calls like this. Do not give any personal information in particular financial details. I would also advise that you do not allow anyone to remotely access your PC unless you are 100% satisfied with who you are dealing with. If you receive a “cold call”, you could be caught “off guard” and vulnerable to disclosing information you would not normally otherwise divulge over the phone, especially as you do not know for certain who is on the other end of the line.”
Trading Standards stressed 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).
Public Protection portfolio holder, Councillor Bob Parry, said, “These rogue businesses target consumers and businesses and take advantage of them, giving the impression that their computers may be at risk if they do not purchase the protection programs available. It is important not to give any personal details over the telephone unless you know for certain who you’re talking to.”
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]
