Police warn public of telephone scams

POLICE are reminding the public not to be taken in by unexpected telephone calls from people saying that they are from firms such as BT or Microsoft.

This type of scam

is very prevalent and callers often say that they have identified a fault with the person’s computer or broadband speed. The caller then seeks to persuade the person to give bank

details for payment to rectify the fault.

Sometimes the caller persuades the person to download an application to their computer to rectify the fault but which also allows remote access to the computer.

This can allow access to PayPal or internet banking meaning that money can be taken from accounts without permission.

A woman in Campbeltown recently received a call from someone saying they were from Microsoft and there was an issue with her computer as it had been hacked.

The woman was persuaded to provide her computer and bank details and then a computer virus was remotely installed on her

computer. Thankfully, in this case, the woman realised something was not right and contacted her bank which prevented any money being taken.

Sergeant Iain MacNicol of Lochgilphead Police said: ‘I would urge people not to trust any unexpected callers who say they are going to help you with your broadband or computer faults. No genuine company will call without you first having reported a fault.

‘Do not be duped into downloading applications or giving out personal or bank details to pay for a repair you didn’t report. My advice is to just tell any such callers that you don’t have a computer or broadband and just end the call.’