TRADING Standards North West are warning the public in Chester to be aware of ongoing attempts by computer fraudsters to scam cash from them by claiming to represent Microsoft.

There has been a recent cluster of unsolicited phone calls to members of the public from people claiming to be from Microsoft technical support.

This is a well documented scam that the public has previously be warned of.

The caller typically advises the victim that their computer is infected with ‘viruses’, which can be repaired if the caller is given remote access to the machine.

Attempts are then made to obtain money from victims, some of whom have lost up to £500 at a time for useless ‘software fixes’.

The public should be aware that Microsoft never use cold-calling methods to sell their products.

These calls are from scammers, who are intent on taking victims’ money and gaining access to personal information on computers.

The strong advice from Trading Standards North West is to immediately hang up if you receive a phone call from anyone claiming to be from Microsoft who tells you that your computer is infected with viruses.

Likewise you should never allow strangers remote access to your computer or part with personal information which can be used to steal your money.

The genuine Microsoft website offers further advice on this scam on www.microsoft.com.

Further advice on this or any other Trading Standards matter can be found by calling Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.