# BEWARE OF SCAMMERS #

Just last week, one of our clients got their computer hacked by someone who said that they were from Talk Talk. I can't emphasise this too much -
If someone rings you up and says they are from Talk Talk (or Microsoft or some other well known firm) and tells you that there is a problem with your computer then they are lying.

It doesn't matter if they sound convincing or know your name or know that your are a Talk Talk customer, they are lying and you should never ever do anything that they say on your computer.

Talk Talk have been hacked at least 4 times and details of Talk Talk customers have been sold on the open market. The scammers will have access to this information and may call you by your name or know other details about your Talk Talk account.

They are attempting to connect remotely to your computer but they can't do this without you doing something on your computer to allow them access. They use a variety of methods to do this. They may ask you to go to a webpage and click on a button or they will ask you to install a program or use some other method to gain access. Once they gain remote access they can do anything to your computer.

On our client's laptop the scammers locked it with a password and encrypted some system files. I have had the laptop now for 2 days and still haven't managed to recover it yet.

Here is a link to a similar attack made on a reporter http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/bills/article-3302475/Beware-scammers-claim-TalkTalk-Listen-call-reveals-fraudsters-dirty-tricks.html

Remember, these scammers could say that they were from any firm But never ever believe them. I wouldn't believe somebody even if they said they were the Pope. If you don't want to confront them then just say that you have someone who fixes your problems for you and politely decline any offer of help from them.

(Image courtesy of [freedooom] at FreeDigitalPhotos.net)