Pictured above: Chris Pallett, of Shropshire technology
firm Bespoke Computing
Midlands businesses are being targeted by a cold call scam
telling workers their computers have been infected with a
virus.
Businesses large and small are being drawn into the scam, which
attempts to get credit card numbers and other information from
victims.
The scam operates by calling people and telling them their
computer system is infected and will shortly be damaged beyond
repair unless they buy security software and support.
But Chris Pallett, of Shropshire technology firm Bespoke
Computing, today warned workers not to give anyone access to their
computer unless they know who they are.
Chris Pritchard, of news and information website
shropshirelive.com, was one of the people the scammers attempted to
target.
Chris said: "I answered the phone to what sounded like a call
centre, the man on the other end asked me to turn on my computer as
they had detected I had a virus and they could help me remove it
from my system.
"The man, who spoke poor English, said that they had detected it
from a website I had visited. He was quite persistent that I went
and turned on my computer so they could remotely help me remove the
virus.
"When I refused he ended the call."
Businesses say the callers claim to be from Microsoft or other
internet service providers and the sales pitch is often "aggressive
and persistent".
Mr Pallett said: "If you don't know the person calling and you
never asked them to call I would suggest hanging up straight
away.
"It is essential that all computers should have suitable and
adequate protection from viruses and other forms of malware but
these should be purchased from a reputable computer or technology
company.
"Never give anybody access to your computer unless you know who
they are."
For more information on Bespoke Computing, view their website
here:
www.bespokecomputing.com