Call scam says work computers infected

Businesses in Shropshire are being targeted by a cold call scam which tells workers their computers have been infected with a virus, it was claimed today.

Employees are being warned that businesses of all sizes are believed to be being drawn into the scam, in which the callers attempt to get credit card numbers and other information from the victims they target.

Experts say that people behind the scam, which has also hit other parts of the Midlands, call people and tell them their computer system is infected and will shortly be damaged beyond repair unless they buy security software and support.

But Chris Pallett, of Shropshire technology firm Bespoke Computing, today warned workers not to give anyone access to their computer unless they know who they are.

Chris Pritchard, of Shrewsbury who runs a website, was one of the people the scammers attempted to target.

He said: "I answered the phone to what sounded like a call centre. The man on the other end asked me to turn on my computer as they had detected I had a virus and they could help me remove it from my system.

"The man, who spoke poor English, said that they had detected it from a website I had visited. He was quite persistent that I went and turned on my computer so they could remotely help me remove the virus.

"When I refused he ended the call."

Businesses say the callers claim to be from Microsoft or other internet service providers and the sales pitch is often "aggressive and persistent".

Mr Pallett urged people to be very wary if they receive such a call.

He said: "If you don't know the person calling and you never asked them to call I would suggest hanging up straight away. It is essential that all computers should have suitable and adequate protection from viruses and other forms of malware but these should be purchased from a reputable computer or technology company.

"Never give anybody access to your computer unless you know who they are."

It is the latest cold call scam to hit Shropshire residents, with others involving people claiming to be from major companies before demanding money or payment.

By John Kirk