The Isle of Wight Against Scams Partnership has issued another update on scams that have come to light in the local community over the past week.
Islanders are being urged to be very wary of any unsolicited phone calls, emails and texts and to remember to never click on links in any messages!
Trading Standards have received reports of some common scams doing the rounds again –
• Phone calls purporting to be from Microsoft saying that there is a problem with your computer/laptop and that it had been hacked and infected and they would need to “block it”. They will offer lots of information and assurances that they are genuine but as we all know – Microsoft will never contact you to tell you there is a problem. This is a SCAM – hang up and if you can block the number.
• Scam Texts and Calls purporting to be HMRC. Sometimes they will indicate that you are entitled to a refund, other times they can be particularly intimidating accusing you of owing money and threatening arrest if you don’t do what they say. Both are SCAMS – the HMRC will never contact you in this way.
• Scam mailings are still being received. Islanders are being urged to be wary of an opportunity that seems “too good to be true” such as investment opportunities, lotteries that you haven’t entered and inheritances from long distant relatives in foreign countries – These will all be SCAMS – bin them or shred them.
You can report scams online at www.actionfraud.police.uk or on the phone – 0300 123 2040. Phishing emails can be forwarded to [email protected]. Scam texts can be forwarded to 7726.
If you have a vulnerable relative, friend or neighbour you should share this information with them – it could save them from falling victim to one of these, or any other scam.
I keep getting one from PayPal saying my account has been blocked for suspicious activity been sending to PayPal spoof emails
There’s also one for Washing Machine insurance as warranty has apparently expired supposedly it’s from well known supplier of such warranties.
I love the Microsoft one, I just play dumb, stuff like “OK can I close my windows now the rooms getting cold” do it right you can waste a good half hour of their time, give them nothing, then tell them to “F_OFF” and not call back. But I am an IT guy so the wind up is easier.
I love doing that too. They instruct me and I pretend nothings happening it’s a great time waster for them then leave your phone off hook and they can’t cut off!
I keep getting the “Your anti virus has expired” and “Your pc is infected” i forward them on.
Odd that i do no longer get the email about having paid my C ouncil tax.