Computer Fault Scam - don't be fooled by cold callers telling you, your computer is broken

We have previously alerted about various computer based scams, where residents have received phone calls from someone claiming to be from Microsoft or Supportonclick, suggesting that you have a problem with your computer and offering to fix it for a fee.

Neighbourhood Watch have reported that a local resident has recently received such a call. The victim agreed to pay £130 to have a problem with her computer resolved and her computer was accessed remotely. She realised too late that this was a scam, but did ask the caller for his telephone number. She then contacted her bank to stop the payment.

The telephone number she was given by the scammer was a local number, and on further investigation turned out to be for an elderly resident living in her area. Clearly, the scammer was just working through names in the telephone book.
These scams take advantage of people who have limited computer knowledge and can easily be talked in to thinking there is a problem.

If you think your computer isn’t functioning at full capacity, contact a local IT specialist. Do not accept help from a cold caller and do not pay a fee over the telephone it someone contacts you out of the blue suggesting you may have a problem. Always seek advice from a reputable company.
If you think you may have been a victim of this type scam, please report it to Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

Matt says - If anyone tries and tell you that any log file on your computer means there is a major fault then please grab a pinch of salt. These log files are used by programs and services on your windows computer to report anything from I'm having a nap, I'm starting up. They can help you or a technician to diagnose a problem, but just because they are there doesn't mean there is a serious problem.

I've had three of these types of call, and they try to blind you with made up science.

Have a look at the related articles for local trustworthy companies who can help