Rainow
Parish Council

Dear Watch members,

Back in July I circulated the below email regarding a company , whose call centre we now know to be based in India, who were contacting members of the public nationally with the below scam.:

ORIGINAL EMAIL :

Please read the below media release. I have already put out information regarding this scam but members of the public are still being targeted in our area :

Police across Cheshire are warning the public to be on their guard following telephone 'scamming' attempts reported recently. Con-artists are posing as a legitimate IT support agencies and contacting members of the public to tell them that their computer security has been compromised, and they can fix the problem for them for a fee. The victim is told that their software contains a virus and asked for credit card details and private information such as computer passwords, to complete a transaction and fix the 'problem'. The Economic Crime Unit who is investigating the incidents advised "What is of particular concern to us is the manner in which this fraudulent company are extracting personal details from victims. Many people could fall prey to this type of crime, particularly those who aren't 'technically aware' and would unwittingly pass on their personal details, in the belief that there is a problem with their computer or internet connection. Be aware of anyone who purports to be from an IT company or indeed any organisation or company who ask for your personal details in this manner - or by email - as it is likely to be a scam. You would be the first person to be aware if your computer had a problem - not a company." Police urge all home computer and laptop users to be aware of this information, and to share the advice with members of their family who may be susceptible to this type of crime. Anyone who has experienced a similar incident, or requires further advice, should contact Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000. Similarly, anyone needing help and advice, or anyone with concerns about the legitimacy of a company can also alert the Action Fraud website and their local Trading Standards. I have today been contacted by one of our Homewatch coordinators who unfortunately has had £80+ pounds taken from their bank account with this scam.!! PLEASE BE WARNED YET AGAIN OF THIS MICROSOFT SCAM AND IF YOU RECEIVE A SIMILAR CALL JUST PUT THE PHONE DOWN !! If cash is taken from your bank ring ACTION FRAUD on 0300 123 2040.

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