The Isle of Wight’s leading IT & Telecoms provider, is urging people not to fall prey to IT related phone scams by following some simple advice.
The Newport-based company, which has expertise in network security, has seen a rise in the number of customers reporting suspicious and unsolicited phone calls in the past month. Among the incidents, an unknown caller asks the user to install software onto their computer.
Paul Wood, Navigate’s Managing Director, warns: “The caller will then use this software to use your machine for malicious purposes. Alternatively, they may try to make you believe you have a virus on your machine, and then encourage you to purchase their anti-virus software to remove it.”
Another known scam is so-called “social engineering”, where cold callers may try to get you to reveal security information, such as usernames or passwords. Navigate IT & Telecoms would urge customers to never reveal such information, and to avoid confirming even your name and address unless you are absolutely sure of the identity of the caller.
Following these simple steps could help protect against scams:
• Always ask for the caller’s name and the name and address of the company
• Never confirm your name and address
• Never give out passwords or user names
• Do not allow the caller to take remote control of your computer
• Contact trading standards or police if you are concerned
Paul said: “In conclusion, we would urge you never to give information over the phone unless you are confident you know who you are dealing with.”
Customers who may be concerned can contact Navigate for expert advice and support on (01983) 525500
In addition: Anyone concerned that they have been targeted by a scam can contact either Isle of Wight Council’s Trading Standards on 01983 821000 or the police on 101. Pass any telephones numbers to police as this may help with the investigation. Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
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