Scamwatch: computer support fraud - a new twist

Stay one step ahead of the fraudsters with our series of articles giving you the lowdown on the scams they use to trick people out of their hard-earned cash - and how to avoid being taken in by them.

This week, a new scam targeting internet users with fake tech support services.

How does it work?
Fraudsters have found a new way to persuade internet users to part with their hard-earned cash: by posing as legitimate internet service providers - offering bogus tech support online.

The scam, which is a twist on the trick of cold-calling a victim and claiming to represent Microsoft tech support, involves a realistic pop-up message that appears suddenly and seems to come from the victim's real Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Typically, these messages claim that the ISP has "detected malware", and urge victims to call a number "for immediate assistance".

Do that, however, and you will be encouraged to either download software that will install malware, or to pay for bogus tech support services that can cost £100 or more.

How can I avoid being caught out?

Security firm Symantec has seen a 200% rise in tech support scams this year. So to avoid being taken in, it is vital to treat any unexpected pop-ups with the same caution as unsolicited calls.

BT said: "Our advice is that customers should never share their BT account number with anyone and should always shred bills.

"Be wary of calls or emails you're not expecting. Even if someone quotes your BT account number, you shouldn't trust them with your personal information."

Watch out too for pop-ups that lock your computer and demand a fee to unlock it.

I've been defrauded. What should I do?

If you fall for a fake tech support scam, the first thing to do is change any passwords and login details that may have been made available to the fraudsters.

You should also conduct a malware check using an online virus scanner such as the Microsoft Safety Scanner. Then report the problem to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040).