More computer scams hit Notts web-surfers

Last week, The Guardian reported that many residents in and around Worksop had been struck by cold-calling con-men claiming to be from Microsoft and they say that they are monitoring a virus on your computer. They then try to convince you to let them remotely control your computer so they can clean up the problems before asking for up to £200.

Police have also received a number of calls where members of the public receive an online pop-up message claiming to be from Strathclyde Police or the Metropolitan Police.

The message states that the individual’s computer has been locked by police, and that they will need to call a given number or pay a fine online for viewing inappropriate or illegal content online. The computer screen locks in most cases.

Samantha Hancock from Notts Police’s Pre-Crime Unit said: “We would like to make it clear that we would never ask the public for money under such circumstances and urge anyone who receives the pop-up to not to follow the payment instructions or call the number given.”

“They should definitely not pay any money or divulge personal details.”

She continued: “If you receive such a message on your computer, rest assured that no one has discovered any illegal material on your system.”

Meanwhile, another reported scam in the county has seen a man pay £260 to secure a £1,500 loan after receiving an unsolicited telephone call from a company who knew he had been researching loans on the internet.

He never received the loan, and was verbally abused when he rang the company to enquire about it.

Samantha Hancock added: “There is a real warning here about internet security.”

“We all know that when we go online our security is compromised to a certain degree, but you should always exercise caution if you receive a cold call from someone who appears to know exactly what you have been searching for.”

“There is always a risk in accepting offers from cold callers in any event.”

She went on: “It is also highly unusual for companies to request payment in this way. Certainly, in the case of the loan, we know that this has proven to be a fraud.”

If anyone has any info about a similar incident, you can call Notts Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

- HAVE YOU been targeted by any of these scams?

If so, get in touch by emailing [email protected]