Essex: Police warning after bogus computer repair calls

12:26pm Friday 25th January 2013 in News

Essex: Police warning after bogus computer repair calls Essex: Police warning after bogus computer repair calls

Police have issued a warning following reports of people receiving phone calls from bogus computer repairers.

Reports have been received of people receiving unexpected calls asking for money after carrying out work on computers.

Crime prevention officer Peter Caulfield, said: "The people who carry out these bogus calls can sound very authentic and convincing. But please remember to challenge anyone who phones you unexpectedly.

"Do not agree to pay for a problem you weren’t even aware you had, or download any programs as they may contain viruses and be aware that these programs could give the caller full access to your computer.

"These scams vary and include; someone telling you there's a virus on your computer, refund of overpaid bank charges, offering a loan against prepayment, or, an inheritance from a long lost relative, to name just a few.

"The people targeted are often the elderly and vulnerable. If you receive such a call, speak to a family member or a trusted friend first, or call police.

"Be careful about personal information, as some callers already seem to have basic details about you, perhaps gained from forms you have previously filled in or insecure web-sites you have visited.

"Don’t give out any further personal information or money, just take their full details and contact numbers and terminate the call. Often scammers will hang up when you start asking for contact details. Always allow yourself more time to look into it and seek advice.”

Anyone concerned can call police on 101, Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or visit actionfraud.police.uk

Comments (3)

4:28pm Fri 25 Jan 13

Wicky1 says...

Add to that list someone calling with an Indian accent knowing your name asking if you've been in a car accident and promising compensation.

They say they've got your details from your insurance company yet you ask them anything about the supposed 'accident they say they can't tell you due to 'data protection'.

Also they'll try to get your vehicle reg no (I gave them my neighbours ;-) and you can hear them accessing the public DVLA records on the internet the make etc of the vehicle.
Add to that list someone calling with an Indian accent knowing your name asking if you've been in a car accident and promising compensation. They say they've got your details from your insurance company yet you ask them anything about the supposed 'accident they say they can't tell you due to 'data protection'. Also they'll try to get your vehicle reg no (I gave them my neighbours ;-) and you can hear them accessing the public DVLA records on the internet the make etc of the vehicle. Wicky1

11:34pm Fri 25 Jan 13

multitasker says...

Yes Wicky1 they are a nightmare ringing all the time. Also beware of another supposed computer repairer saying they are from Microsoft giving all the schpeel they give. They are fraudsters and microsoft would never ring a person up saying they had faults on their computer. The other nightmare ones are the ones saying you are owed a refund of missold PPI. All fraudsters. It is the elderly and vulnerable people I feel sorry for.
Yes Wicky1 they are a nightmare ringing all the time. Also beware of another supposed computer repairer saying they are from Microsoft giving all the schpeel they give. They are fraudsters and microsoft would never ring a person up saying they had faults on their computer. The other nightmare ones are the ones saying you are owed a refund of missold PPI. All fraudsters. It is the elderly and vulnerable people I feel sorry for. multitasker

10:02am Sat 26 Jan 13

Hamiltonandy says...

Daily I see "international call" on the phone display and hear an Indian accent asking for me by name. Automatically I say "You have got the wrong number" and hang up. If I get a second call from the same firm, I just put the phone down quietly and let them talk to the furniture. No point yelling abuse.
Daily I see "international call" on the phone display and hear an Indian accent asking for me by name. Automatically I say "You have got the wrong number" and hang up. If I get a second call from the same firm, I just put the phone down quietly and let them talk to the furniture. No point yelling abuse. Hamiltonandy

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