Warning over rise in computer service fraud in Surrey
Police say victims have lost thousands of pounds after being scammed
We are being urged to take extra care after a rise in cases of computer software service fraud in Surrey.
Surrey Police say they have had 76 reports made to them since the start of the year - with many victims age over 75.
They say 34 people lost an average of £4,460 each - a combined total of £151,640.
The force says common scenarios include callers pretending to be from reputable organisations.
One victim aged 73, received a call on her landline from someone telling her that her Virgin Media internet router needed changing.
The call seemed legitimate because she had been having problems with her router - and when the caller asked for her bank details and a copy of her driving license, she handed them over.
The victim later found out that over £2,000 had been taken from her bank by the scammers.
Another victim, age 88, received a call from someone claiming to work for BT who needed to gain access to his computer.
Fortunately, he realised that this did not add up and did not hand over any details to the fraudster.
To protect yourself or someone you know from becoming a victim of fraud, Surrey Police have issued the following key tips:
If you receive a call like this hang up. Take Five and verify the call via a trusted method, not the numbers given in the call.
Never allow anyone to remotely access your computer
Do not download software on the request of a phone caller
A genuine service provider will never call you out of the blue regarding issues with your computer or broadband.
Microsoft will not request your banking information or personal details to validate Windows software on your devices.
If you or someone you know is vulnerable and has been a victim of fraud call Surrey Police on 101 or visit www.surrey.police.uk
Report fraud or attempted fraud, by contacting Action fraud at: http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud or call 0300 123 2040.