Police warn of bogus ‘Virtual PC Doctor’ calls

Dyfed Powys Police is warning people to be aware of a sophisticated telephone scam where fraudsters claim to be calling from ‘Virtual PC Doctor’ and offer to remove any unwanted or corrupted files on their computer.

The fraudsters direct their victim to an area of the computer which shows hundreds of errors and warnings in the Application log – and then will attempt to access security details.

It is normal for any Windows-based computer to show these errors. They don't indicate corrupted files and no details or card details should be given to these fraudulent companies.

In addition, Microsoft does not make unsolicited phone calls to help you fix your computer. If you have any concerns about the security of your computer or antivirus then take your computer to a reputable dealer which can check it for you.

If you have passed on details to one of these companies then please cancel all debit cards, change all email/social networking passwords (such as Facebook) and accounts passwords (ebay, Amazon).

These fraudulent companies can install software to read your passwords and access your computer whenever they wish.

Lampeter PC Nia Lewis said: "If ever you’re in doubt about a telephone cold call ask for the name of their company and put it into a search engine and try to check their credibility or if it flags up among companies involved in previous scams.

"If you’re still in doubt for any reason then don’t do business with them, don’t give out any private details and report the call immediately to the company and/or the police via 101.”