NEIGHBOURHOOD Watch leaders in Malvern and Worcester have been targeted by the latest computer scam doing the rounds and have warned residents to be vigilant.
Fraudsters imposing as Microsoft, BT or Talk Talk technicians have been telephoning people claiming their computer has been hacked and that they can fix it for a fee.
They then try to get remote access and after payment has been made they say the problem has been resolved.
In some cases victims have noticed further amounts of money taken from their accounts and others have had software unknowingly installed on their computer which can obtain information such as bank details if they later make an online payment.
Martin Lawrence, Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for Malvern, and Stephen Hornberger, treasurer of the Worcester branch, have both received bogus calls recently.
Earlier this month Action Fraud, the national reporting centre for fraud and internet crime, also warned of a rise in the scam.
Nationwide more than 12,000 incidents were reported between June and November last year.
Nearly £700,000 was stolen in total with some victims losing as much as £6,000 each.
Anyone who receives a suspicious call should hang up immediately, make sure the line is clear by leaving it for several minutes and then call Action Fraud on 0300 1232040.
