SCAM THREAT: Computer ‘virus’ trick continues to target Spain

A TELEPHONE scam by con artists purporting to be computer technicians continues to pose a threat in Spain.

The con, in which fraudsters call pretending to be from Microsoft before bullying their victims into allowing them access to their computer, has reportedly been ongoing for 16 years.

Computer-users are being warned scammers will claim a home computer has been infected with a virus before telling them to follow the caller’s instructions and click on a link they have send.

Once victim’s do this, the confidence tricksters have access to the computer, allowing them to steal data, sometime even pushing for payment for their, ‘services.’

Microsoft has confirmed this scam has been reported in 16 different countries, including Spain, and advised victims to never offer the fraudsters any payment or access to computers.

The IT company said their own technical service will never contact a user unless previously requested.