Trading Standards Officers have issued a renewed warning to computer users to be on their guard against unsolicited telephone calls from phoney computer support personnel.

A company known as supportonclick who are Indian based were cold calling computer users and claiming to be representing Microsoft. Their tactic is to convince the user that something is wrong with their PC and purchase software that they do not actually need. The fraudsters use leading, generalised questioning techniques that often have the effect of convincing the user that their individual circumstances are known to the calling company. Callers often know the user’s name, giving them greater plausibility.

Officers advise that effective online security is crucial, and users should ensure that their PCs are running up-to-date anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall software. Officers advise PC users to read up on online security via www.getsafeonline.org. They also advise turning off any ‘auto-preview’ features in their email software, and encourage all email users to observe their tips for avoiding email spam (Avoiding Spam).

If you think you may have been contact by supportonclick, please report this to Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
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