Trading standards say - beware 'Microsoft' scam

Residents are being warned about phone cold-callers alleging they are from Microsoft and claiming they can fix their computer.

People are told that their IP address has been hacked and that they will be in trouble with the police unless remote access is granted to “sort out the problem”.

Trading standards officers have received reports relating to companies, some of whom appear to be based in Leicester. Other telephone numbers have a London prefix (020), while 01926 (Warwick) and 0808 (non-geographic) have also been used.

The company name changes regularly but always includes “Microsoft”, sometimes “Windows”, with callers stating they are from Microsoft, Microsoft Technical Department, Microsoft Support System, Microsoft Security or something similar.

Callers from the company are said to have strong foreign accents and use names such as “Michael Johnson” and “Jesse Jackson” so it is unclear whether they are UK-based. They are aggressive, telling consumers that their computer will stop working unless remote access is granted.

Andrew Johnson, head of trading standards and licensing in Bury, said: “The so-called problems that the companies claim are present are simple things such as error logs that all computers produce - for example, the clock not starting immediately when a computer is turned on as it has not yet established an internet connection. These companies rely on consumers’ naivety about technical matters and try to bamboozle people with jargon.”

He added: “Neither Microsoft nor its representatives will ever cold-call consumers to charge for computer security or software fixes.”

Consumers are encouraged to visit the Microsoft website for more information on what the scammers are trying to do, such as:

  
• Tricking you into installing malicious software that could capture sensitive data, such as online banking user names and passwords. They might also then charge you to remove this software.
 
• Taking control of your computer remotely and adjusting settings to leave your computer vulnerable.
 
• Requesting credit card information so they can bill you for phoney services.
 
• Directing you to fraudulent websites and asking you to enter credit card and other personal or financial information there.

Trading standards advise anyone who receives such a phone call to treat it like a cold caller to your home - you wouldn’t invite them in, so why would you invite a stranger to take over your computer?

Mr Johnson 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're using.

“Once they've gained your trust, they might ask for your user name and 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:

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

Councillor Sandra Walmsley, Bury’s cabinet member for resource and regulation, said: “I advise all residents in the borough to be vigilant when answering their phone or door. Never give information to the caller until you are satisfied they are genuine and you have verified their identity. If you are unsure, don’t let them in your house or end the call.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 11 November 2014.