Minister for Fair Trading Anthony Roberts today warned Illawarra residents of a telephone scam with callers seeking payment to clear non-existent viruses from personal computers.

Mr Roberts said similar scams had been occurring across the state.

“Wollongong Fair Trading centre yesterday took a complaint from an elderly couple who had been caught out by scammers claiming to be selling computer virus software,” he said.

“These scammers have disgracefully deceived the couple into authorising a $300 payment.

“Their attempts to steal more money were undone by their own greed, after they used the couple’s financial details to try and withdraw $25,000 the couple didn’t have.

Mr Roberts said the scammers usually played on their victims’ lack of technical knowledge.

“Intended victims often receive a scam call out of the blue claiming there is a problem with their computer,” he said.

“The caller usually claims to be from a large computer company, a bank, or financial institution, or legitimate technical service provider.

“They will request remote access to your computer and if you say yes will run a bogus scan that shows up a fake virus.

“The scammers then try and pressure the victim into buying unnecessary software or a service to fix the computer.”

Mr Roberts said anyone who receives calls offering these services or products should hang up and not provide any personal or financial details.

“Anyone with doubts about sellers offering computer software or other products should always check with the manufacturer or retailers,” Mr Roberts said.

Consumers are encouraged to visit the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s SCAMwatch website - www.scamwatch.gov.au. The Australian Communications and Media Authority has also issued specific public warnings on this matter – www.acma.gov.au.

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