Thanks for keeping us all up-to-date, Gordon.
Moira
On Mon, Nov 12, 2018 at 6:56 PM Gordon Ferguson <
gordon.ferguson@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
More good advice about computer fraud. I have been phoned in the past by
someone pretending to be from Microsoft - the last time was after I stopped
using Microsoft products.....
Gordon
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Scam Alert - Computer Software Service Fraud
------------------------------
Computer Software Service Fraud occurs when fraudsters pose as legitimate
companies, and contact you, claiming there is a problem with your device.
They might say that they can fix the problem for a fee, or alternatively
they can compensate you for the problem you are experiencing.
What these fraudsters really want is for you to unwittingly grant them
remote access to your computer by installing software or visiting a
particular website, and for you to give them your payment details.
*Protect yourself against fraudsters*
To help you protect yourself against fraudsters, there are some simple
steps you can take.
- Treat all unsolicited phone calls and e-mails with scepticism and
don’t give out any personal information
- If you receive such communication, delete the e-mail or hang up the
phone. Remember, computer firms do not make unsolicited phone calls to help
you fix your computer or e-mails about security updates
- Even if the caller is able to provide you with details such as your
full name, don’t give out any personal or financial information during a
cold call
- Never grant the caller remote access to your computer, never go to a
website they give you and never install software as a result of the call
- If you think you have downloaded a virus, consider having your
computer looked at by a trusted technician in order to determine if
malicious software was installed on your machine during the call
If you are in doubt, put the phone down and call your Internet provider –
ideally from a different phone from the one used to contact you (as
offenders have been known to stay on the line).
The following website offers a variety of top tips that are easy to use
and understand:
https://www.getsafeonline.org/
You can also find out more about this type of fraud, other types of scams
to be aware of, and how to report them on the Action Fraud website
<https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/a-z-of-fraud/computer-software-service-frauds>.
Please feel free to share this information with loved ones and with anyone
you feel could be vulnerable to this type of scam.
*Message Sent By*
Corporate Communications4 (Police, Corporate Communications, South
Yorkshire)
------------------------------
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