Further to the recent Talktalk data breach, and the disclosure of personal data on the Marks and Spencer website today (29th October 2015), we feel it prudent to make you aware of the latest telephone scam that has seen many people paying fraudsters hundreds of pounds. PC Repair Leeds has already been contacted by a Client who has been targeted after their TalkTalk account was accessed by fraudsters.
Prior to this incident, the most common telephone scam was from individuals claiming to be from Microsoft. These fraudsters would advise you to look at parts of your Windows computer directory system, claiming that genuine logs were actually showing major faults. You would then be asked to purchase some anti-virus software, which in actual fact was merely a ruse to obtain your credit card details. Once the fraudsters had these details, they could charge what ever they could on your card.
BE AWARE
Microsoft Windows is an operating system that is installed on millions of computers around the world. Microsoft are so short on staff, they can’t be contacted when genuine issues with their software arise. They are therefore not going to be able to monitor your pc and contact you the moment a problem occurs.
Talktalk, with 4 million customers take long enough to answer the phone when you have a genuine account query. They certainly do not have the time to call you to discuss alleged issues on your computer.
We have dealt with many Clients who have been subject to these fraudulent telephone calls. The end result is always the same. Cost to the end user. Cost in time, having to cancel cards and contact the bank, and the cost of a complete format and re-install of their pc.
* DONT LET SOMEONE YOU DO NOT KNOW LOGIN TO YOUR COMPUTER.
* CHANGE YOUR PASSWORDS FREQUENTLY
* DONT USE THE SAME PASSWORD FOR DIFFERENT ACCOUNTS
Whilst BBC Watchdog’s programme tends to portray any serious story with childish illustration, they did make one sensible comparison on tonight’s show. You would not use the same key for your front door, back door and car. Why do it when online?
If you have any concerns about the contents of this article, please contact us on 0113 8000192
