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Computer scam warning
PEOPLE are being warned to be on their guard against a scam where bogus callers trick people into paying money to repair a non-existent fault on their computer.
The warning was issued today (Friday) after a Montrose man received a phone call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft. The bogus caller claimed the man’s computer was infected with viruses and advised this was causing problems for Microsoft.
A trading standards spokeswoman said: “The consumer was asked to turn on his computer and log in, but luckily he was already aware of the scam and refused to do so, but other consumers, not aware of the scam, might do so.
“The bogus caller claims to show the consumer a list of errors, offers to resolve them and takes over the consumer’s laptop. This usually only takes a couple of minutes but the consumer then feels pressurised to pay a large amount of money for the service.
Trading standards have confirmed that this scam has been in circulation since 2008. Microsoft has stated that it does not make unsolicited telephone calls, so anyone in any part of Angus receiving an unexpected call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft should treat it as a hoax.
Further advice is available by contacting trading standards through the council’s ACCESSLine on 08452 777 778.
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Weather for Montrose
Sunday 19 May 2013
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 8 C to 12 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 7 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North
