Scam calls warn of computer viruses (From The Northern Echo)

Scam calls warn of computer viruses

2:51pm Wednesday 22nd February 2012 in Letters

IN the last two weeks I have received two phone calls supposedly from Microsoft. The caller goes on to say it has come to their notice that my computer speed is very slow due to viruses that can seriously harm my computer.

They then passed me onto their “supervisor” who asked me to turn on my computer to do some checks, press two computer keys and enter a bogus helpline website.

Twice I asked for their number to return their call, which they ignored.

Please be careful of these ‘Scam’ phone calls.

Name and address supplied.

REGARDING VJ Connor’s letter (HAS, Feb 20) about people being scammed by bogus callers claiming to be from Microsoft and his advice to just put down the phone.

I like to give them the runaround. They rarely come back for more.

If you have a DECT type phone you can tell from the display if the caller is friend or foe, or if the call is from outside the UK.

Try telling the caller you just have to pay a call to the bathroom and you won’t be long.

They soon grow tired of saying “Are you still there?” then end the call.

The last time anyone contacted me about a possible infection on my computer I simply informed them I didn’t own a computer (I have two).

They closed down the conversation pretty quickly.

Doug Porthouse, Ferryhill.