TITAN, the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit, have issued a warning to people to avoid being scammed by criminals who pretend to be from Computer Tech companies.



Officers have reported that fraudsters, often using well known company names such as Microsoft, Talk Talk or BT, have been contacting victims across the North West by telephone claiming they are aware of errors on their computer and that the problem can be resolved if remote access control is granted.

The fraudster appears to carry out work on the computer deleting files and installing new programs for which they will then demand you pay a fee. They may even access the victim’s online banking accounts and remove funds through the remote access that was granted.

Detective Chief Inspector Dean Holden from TITAN said: “Computer firms warn that they never make unsolicited phone calls to request personal or financial information, or to fix your computer. You should treat all cold calls with scepticism and trust your instincts. Don’t feel pressurised to stay on the call or give out personal information, if it doesn’t feel right then simply hang up.

“If further assurance is needed individuals can contact the firm directly using the phone numbers obtained from their contract or other trusted sources. Best practice would be to call the firm directly from another phone just in case the scammer remains on the phone line.”

Anyone who has lost money to a scam like this should report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or from another computer or device at www.actionfraud.police.uk