Warning to Computer Users After Microsoft Scamsters Target Kirklees Residents.

Monday 16 July, 2012.

Kirklees police are asking computer users to be on guard after 13 people in the region have reported falling victim to a 'Microsoft scam' over the last six weeks.

In all of the cases people have been receiving phone calls from people purporting to be from Microsoft Tech Support. The fraudsters have been telling victims that their copies of Windows need validating and are then asking for credit card information to do carry out the checks.

Victims are then directed to a website where the fraudster is able to remotely access people's computers. Pretending to run a system check, the fraudster then tells victims that there are software problems with their computers that they need to pay to have fixed.

Fortunately the victims have all been suspicious of the fraudulent calls and have not passed any bank or credit card details to the callers.

However, police are wanting to warn people to be on guard if they receive any unsolicited calls from people from Microsoft or other large companies, especially where bank details are requested.

A spokesperson said: "We are aware of a number of scams across the country that use Microsoft and other large companies as a means of trying to trick people into handing over their bank details.

"Being told that you've won the Microsoft Lottery - which doesn't exist, taking calls from 'Tech Support' that you aren't expecting and any unsolicited phone calls or emails, are all likely to be scams and should be reported.

"We have had a handful or reports since the start of June, but there could be other victims out there and we would like to hear from you."

Anyone who thinks that they have been a victim of this sort of scam, should contact the police via 101. Action Fraud can also be contacted on 0300 123 2040 or via their website actionfraud/police.uk, which also has a wide range of advice for people concerned about computer fraud and internet crime.