Beware of fraudulent calls from "Microsoft Support"

We have had reports from some people who have received telephone calls from people claiming to be from "Microsoft Support Centre", and even in some cases from System 3 Business Solutions Ltd.

The caller tries to convince you that your computer is running slowly due to it being infected with viruses or requiring maintenance. They then either direct you to a website where they encourage you pay for some software which they say will repair the "problem", or they offer to remotely control your computer.

We would like to make it very clear that these calls do NOT originate from Microsoft OR System 3 Business Solutions Ltd, however because of our status as a leading I.T. company with Microsoft Gold accreditation, these scammers are seeking credibility by illegally using our name.

Neither System 3 Business Solutions Ltd nor Microsoft make cold-calls to members of the public and we do not take credit card payments - all our clients are businesses who have an account with us.

We would strongly advise you not to enter into discussion with anyone who calls you in this manner, and certainly not to give them any personal details or payment information. If you continue to receive calls, you should report the incidents to the police or trading standards.

The "problems" the scammers say you are experiencing are often not problems at all but they can sound convincing by showing you the error log that all Microsoft Windows computers create.

If you feel you do have problems with your computer we would urge you to seek the advice of a local computer shop, or if you are a business to give us a call on 01553 636792.

Further information about the scam can be found at the following websites:

• http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/security/online-privacy/avoid-phone-scams.aspx
  
  
• http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/blog/2011/mar/01/microsoft-virus-scam-continues

If you still have any concerns or would like to report a company using the name System 3 Business Solutions Ltd in suspicious circumstances, we would be pleased to hear from you. Please call David Parish, Managing Director, on 01553 636792.