Derbyshire Police join fight to stop £9.5m online fraud

Police are encouraging computer users to be vigilant against service fraud after £9.5m was lost by UK victims over the last year.

Derbyshire Police have teamed up with the City of London Police, Action Fraud, and Get Safe Online to release an infographic to raise awareness of computer service fraud.

The scam involves fraudsters’ cold calling members of the public posing to be from legitimate companies, such as an internet service provider or Microsoft.

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They will then try to convince the victim that there is a problem with their computer or device, often telling them that there is a virus on their machine, or a problem with their internet connection, and that they can fix the problem for free.

What the fraudster really wants is for the victim to unwittingly grant them remote access to their computer or device, or to direct them to a website where they can then take control and download viruses.

The fraudsters are the only ones that have the capability to remove the virus and are likely to charge a premium rate to do so.

Legitimate companies such as Microsoft and Google would never cold call asking for remote access to a computer or ask for financial details;

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Never give out any personal or financial information during a cold call, and never grant the caller remote access to a computer, go to a website, or install software as a result of the call.

Also, ensure your browser is set to the highest level of security to prevent malware issues and computer crimes.

To report a fraud or to pick up specialist advice call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit their website: www.actionfraud.police.uk