RESIDENTS in Bury are being warned about phone callers alleging to be from Microsoft and claiming they can fix their computer.

People are being told that their IP address has been hacked and they will be in trouble with the police unless remote access is granted to “sort out the problem”.

Trading standards officers have received reports relating to companies, some of whom appear to be based in Leicester. Other telephone numbers have a London prefix (020), while 01926 (Warwick) and 0808 (non-geographic) have also been used.

The scam callers regularly change the company name, but always includes “Microsoft”, and sometimes “Windows”. They are said to have strong foreign accents and use names such as “Michael Johnson” and “Jesse Jackson.”

Andrew Johnson, head of trading standards and licensing in Bury, said: “The so-called problems that the companies claim are present are simple things such as error logs that all computers produce - for example, the clock not starting immediately when a computer is turned on as it has not yet established an internet connection.

"These companies rely on consumers’ naivety about technical matters and try to bamboozle people with jargon.

“Once they've gained your trust, they might ask for your user name and password or ask you to go to a website to install software that will let them access your computer to fix it. Once you do this, your computer and your personal information is vulnerable."

Consumers were being tricked in a variety of ways, which also included requesting credit card information so they can bill for phoney services, and directing people to fraudulent websites and asking them to enter credit card and other personal or financial information there.

Mr Johnson added: “Neither Microsoft nor its representatives will ever cold-call consumers to charge for computer security or software fixes.”

Councillor Sandra Walmsley, Bury’s cabinet member for resource and regulation, said: “I advise all residents in the borough to be vigilant when answering their phone or door. Never give information to the caller until you are satisfied they are genuine and you have verified their identity. If you are unsure, don’t let them in your house or end the call.”

Residents with concerns can visit the Microsoft website http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/security/online-privacy/avoid-phone-scams.aspx