Telephone scammers are claiming they can help with internet issues in order to steal money from their unsuspecting victims.
One Northwich PCSO says there has been a rise in the number of fraudulent phone calls reported to police recently.
PCSO Ian Cosgrove explained that the most common scam sees the caller offer to help with slow internet connection.
The scammer then asks the victim to visit a website or enter a command prompt which allows the fraudster to take control of the computer, typically for around 30-40 minutes.
Victims are told they are entitled to compensation and asked to sign into their online bank account to ensure the money has arrived.
Using a fake screen, they are led to believe their money has been paid in when instead money is being withdrawn.
“I have seen a large increase in the amount of fraudulent calls reported to me and to Cheshire police ,” PCSO Cosgrove said.
To avoid falling victim to such scams, Action Fraud – the UK’s national fraud and internet crime reporting centre – is advising people to be wary of unsolicited approaches by phone claiming to offer a refund and to avoid letting strangers have access to your computer.
If you have any information about a scam, call Cheshire police on 101.
