A Sefton resident had problems with his printer and went on the manufacturer’s website to obtain advice. He was faced as usual with a number of choices and opted for a helpline. He spoke to a ‘virtual agent’ who was classed as a ‘scam doctor’ and followed the instruction that were given to him.
While he was talking, his other phone rang and the caller stated he was an agent for the printer company and could solve the problem with his printer. The resident declined to speak further saying he was already in communication with a representative. However the representative assured him the other caller was genuine and he could transfer him over to his colleague who would help him.
After being given further instructions the caller took over the resident’s computer and showed him various viruses that were supposedly on the computer destroying all his information. Luckily the resident’s son contacted his father and told him to stop what he was doing and finish the call.
When the computer was taken to a the local computer shop he was told someone else had come in earlier with the same story, he had been told that he needed to pay £500 to get the printer working and they would supply a free service each year.
It is advisable to take extra care when choosing the option when going on a website. If you feel uneasy, stop and close down the connections. Martin Lewis in a recent TV programme mentioned that scamming on line was increasing, anyone can be scammed, one of the best ways we can counteract their activities is to warn others about our experiences. That is one of the aims of the scam messages on the Sefton Crime Alert, with your help we can pass on the details of the scams to others and hopefully prevent someone becoming a victim of this crime.
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