Warning on criminals’ anti-virus scam

Dublin South West representative Seán Crowe TD has warned of people to be cautious of scammers using the potential ‘Two Week’ computer virus in order to access their personal information.

Deputy Seán Crowe said,

“The so called ‘Two Week’ computer virus has been widely reported in the media as having the potential to lock your computer and Internet Service Providers have been contacting those at risk.

“However,it also seems that unscrupulous con artists are using the threat of the so-called ‘Two Week’ computer virus in order to access personal computers.

“It has recently emerged that some have been people receiving cold calls from bogus companies claiming to represent computer or broadband providers looking for access codes and financial details.

“These opportune criminals are cold calling homes telling them of the threat from the Two Week virus and asking for login and other personal information including financial details.

“They offer computer upgrades, installation of anti-viruses in order to protect the computer from this virus then claim they need credit card details so they can install the software online.

“Another regular scam is emails purporting to come from banks or other financial institutions requesting bank details or personal information. I would urge you to contact your bank if you receive such an email, and not to use the contact details supplied in the email, but to use contact details which appear on your bank’s regular statements.

“I would appeal to people not to be taken in by these scams. Never divulge personal information over the phone or through e-mail as genuine Internet Providers do not ask for these details.”