Beware of ‘Microsoft’ phone calls scam

Trading standards officers are warning residents to beware unsolicited phone calls supposedly from Microsoft.

It appears that the borough’s local phone numbers are being targeted by telephone numbers 02079 462110 and 02079 462111 which seem to be from London, but could originate in Asia.

Angela Lomax, head of trading standards and licensing in Bury, said: “The caller claims to be from Microsoft and says he has detected a problem with your computer and needs to have remote access to your computer or requires password and login details. He may try to confuse you with technical jargon and may be quite persistent to the point of being aggressive in trying to get you to do what he wants.

“If you receive such a call, do not engage with the caller as it is almost certainly a scam. Neither Microsoft nor its representatives will ever ‘cold call’ consumers to charge for computer security or software fixes. You wouldn’t invite ‘cold callers’ to your home, so why would you allow a stranger to take over your computer?”

She added: “Cybercriminals often use publicly available phone directories so they might know your name and other personal information when they call you; they might even guess what operating system you are using.

“Once they have gained your trust, they might ask you for your user name or password or ask you to go to a website to install software that will let them access your computer to fix it. Once you do this, your computer and your personal information is vulnerable. Do not provide them with any personal information and end the call.”

Residents with concerns can visit the Microsoft website or call Citizens Advice Consumer Services on 03454 040506.

http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/security/online-privacy/avoid-phone-scams.aspx

ENDS

Press release issued: 31 August 2016.