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Scammers pretending to be from companies including Amazon and Microsoft are trying to obtain people's personal information by requesting remote access to their computers.
Bailiwick Law Enforcement said the scammers are posing as staff from well-known companies. They have been targeting Guernsey residents, presenting themselves as knowledgable at first and potentially abusive when people decline to cooperate.
The scam revolves around the premise that your computer or internet has technical problems. They will request remote access to your computer to "find out what the problem is".
"The scammer may try to talk you into buying or downloading software to ‘fix’ the computer or help them gain access to it," said Bailiwick Law Enforcement of the calls.
"They may ask you for your personal details and your bank/credit card details. However, once they have access to your computer they can browse for passwords to accounts and install software to track your log in details the next time you use your internet banking or credit card online.
"The scammer will sound professional and knowledgeable often using technical language to confuse you—however they may become abusive and persistent if you don't do what they ask.
"Be aware that if you have already been a victim of fraud then the caller may pretend to be from a fraud recovery agency."
if you receive a phone call out of the blue about your computer and remote access is requested – hang up – even if they mention a well-known company;
if you have already provided remote access to the caller, disconnect your device from the internet as soon as possible;
never give an unsolicited caller remote access to your computer - some banks will not cover this type of loss;
never download applications or software requested of you by the unsolicited caller;
never give your personal, credit card or online account details over the phone;
make sure your computer is protected with regularly updated anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a good firewall
If you think you have become a victim of a scam, in the first instance contact your bank immediately, and then report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk.
For further advice and support you can contact the Guernsey Police on 725111 or via fraud@guernsey.pnn.police.uk and Trading Standards via scams@gov.gg or tradingstandards@gov.gg.
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