The warning comes after Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Access, Communities and Community Safety reported receiving a call from someone claiming to be ringing on behalf of Microsoft. He ended the call when he was asked to allow remote access to his PC.
The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau has previously reported a scam whereby the caller has been allowed access to a computer, purportedly to fix it, for a nominal fee.
The victim often then finds their computer has been frozen and unauthorised withdrawals are made from their bank accounts.
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Access, Communities and Community Safety, Councillor Steve Nelson, said: “Calls like this can be very convincing but Microsoft, or someone on their behalf, would not call you so it is important to be cautious and never allow remote access to your computer or provide your log-in details, password or pin numbers.
“Anyone who receives a suspicious call should end it as soon as possible and report it to Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Trading Standards Team, the Citizens Advice Bureau or Action Fraud.”
Suspicious calls can be reported to Stockton Trading Standards Team on 01642 526560 or the Citizens Advice Bureau on 03454 040506.
If you have been affected by a scam, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 1232040 or online at www.actionfraud.police.uk