Trading Standards warns Perth computer users about scam

Oct 2 2009 by Our Correspondent, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

PERTH and Kinross Trading Standards are warning local people not to fall victim to a new scam involving their home computers.

The scam involves people making telephone calls to homes pretending to be from computer software company Microsoft.

They will ask people if their home PC is running slowly, and then say that they have been notified that the PC has a virus and is sending unauthorised information to other Microsoft users.

The caller will then offer to take you through the steps which are needed to fix the “problem” on your computer.

However, the instructions provided will install remote control software onto a PC, which allows remote access to third parties who can then track personal details such as account numbers and passwords.

Adding insult to injury, in many cases customers are also asked to provide credit card details in order to pay a service fee.

Anyone who is targeted by this scam, or suspects they have been the target or victim of any other scam, can contact Trading Standards on 01738 476476 for further advice.