Police in Tyrone and Fermanagh are advising computer users to be wary of scams that appear to be aimed at gaining control of their machines or defrauding them of money.

A number of local people have reported receiving telephone calls purporting to be from a 'service centre' and warning that their computers had viruses and were about to crash.

One recipient was asked for £19 for one year's protection, or £159 for two. She was also given a six-digit number to key into her computer.

Police believe this was an attempt to gain access to the computer remotely, in which case private and banking details would have been vulnerable.

A police spokesman said: "We would advise computer users to consult a reputable dealer for advice about protecting their PCs from viruses.

"A range of anti-virus software is available. Some of the products are free, while some offer increased levels of protection.

"Do not be tempted to give control of your computer to people you do not know and never give personal or financial details in response to telephone calls or emails. If you bank online, your bank will usually have advice on its website about safety." Police are also warning that similar scams have been reported in various places throughout Ireland.

Source: Tyrone Courier
Date: 6th October 2010