Recently a number of customers have told E-tec Computer Services they have received a phone call from Microsoft stating that they have a problem with their computer and they can help. Don’t get caught out.

Criminals often use the names of well-known companies, like Microsoft, BT, TalkTalk etc in their scams. They use the company names to convince you to give them money or your personal information. While traditionally they have used email to trick you, they are now using the telephone more and more to try and get your details.

Common scams that use company names

• Someone from “Microsoft/BT/TalkTalk Tech Support” calls to fix your computer
• You receive a call to telling you that you have won the Lottery”
• The company requires credit card information to validate your copy of Windows or other software installed.

Avoid these dangerous hoaxes

The companies above do not send unsolicited email messages or make unsolicited phone calls to request personal or financial information or to fix your computer.

If you receive an unsolicited email message or phone call that says it’s from one of the companies above or any other large company for that matter and requests that you send personal information or click links to websites, delete the message or hang up the phone.

Large companies do not make unsolicited phone calls to help you fix your computer

In this scam criminals call you and claim to be from Technical Support. They offer to help solve your computer problems. Once the crooks have gained your trust, they attempt to steal from you and damage your computer with malicious software including viruses and spyware.

Although the police can trace phone numbers, criminals often use pay phones, disposable mobile phones, or stolen mobile phone numbers. It’s better to avoid being conned rather than try to repair the damage afterwards.

• Treat all unsolicited phone calls with scepticism.
•  Do not provide any personal information.
• If you receive an unsolicited call from someone claiming to be from Technical Support, hang up.
• If you think you might be a victim of fraud, report it to the police.

Please don’t get caught out, I have had a number of calls on this issue and a number of my customers have already reported to me that they have been contacted. It’s better to be safe than sorry so put the phone down on them, call the company back who they say they are from and ask them if they would have contacted you in this way.