Police are warning Essex residents to be careful as fraudsters claiming to work as tech support are contacting victims.
People are being contacted by instant message or telephone by someone who claims to work for tech support at a large organisation such as Microsoft, Talk Talk, BT or Sky.
The conmen ask the victim to download and install “Remote Assistance” software they claim will allow them to fix errors on the victim’s computer. This software actually allows them to delete files and install harmful malware. In some cases the caller asks for personal information such as usernames and passwords.
The victim is then asked for payment for this service via PayPal.
Police are advising people who receive one of these calls to hang up and not install any software or tell the caller any personal information.
If anyone is concerned by a phone call they receive they can contact police on 101.
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