Oxford Residents Targeted For Computer Scam

Oxfordshire County Council has reported an influx of reports from local residents about bogus callers posing as computer technicians. The pattern of the calls is the same where the intended target is contacted and informed that there are faults or a virus on their computers. A request is then made for remote access to the machine in order to conduct a diagnostic test. [25 January 2012]

An error message pops up to convince the user that the computer is need of repair. The fraudster then deletes the message claiming that they have resolved the issue. A fee of £80 is requested.

The error messages displayed are fairly common place and do not indicate that there is any issue with the usual function of the PC or laptop. 

The Oxford Mail interviewed Steve Preston, a computer specialist based in the city. He has advised, “A desktop computer that doesn’t have wireless will generate an error message to say that it can’t find a wireless network, but that doesn’t means there’s a problem with that computer – there’s nothing wrong with it.”

The risk of allowing someone remote access to a laptop or PC is that the fraudster can infect the machine with a virus such as Zeus which is financial malware which may not be detected by ant-virus software.

Be cautious when receiving these types of phone calls. When in doubt, end the call Contact your internet service provider’s security team for guidance.

 
Hoax calls related to computer maintenance are on the rise and are prevalent with so many individuals and businesses reliant on PC and laptops for every day tasks such as banking and shopping. These scams are frequently reported and Action Fraud offers a comprehensive A-Z of fraud on our website so that the public can increase their awareness and self-protect from criminals looking to exploit members of the public.

 
Anyone looking for more information about staying safe online should visit Get Safe Online. 

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If you have been a victim of fraud, report it to Action Fraud.