The National Consumer Agency (NCA) and Microsoft warned consumers today about a scam involving callers claiming to be from Microsoft or other legitimate technology companies telling them they have a virus on their computer.
The callers ask people to download a file from a website and gain access to their computers where they can see personal details including financial information. In some cases they also ask for credit card details.
John Shine, director of commercial practices in the NCA, said this type of scam was on the rise.
"Microsoft or any legitimate technology company would never cold call customers to tell them there is
a problem with their computer. If you get a call from anyone claiming that there is - regardless of what company they tell you there are from - hang up immediately and report it to the NCA on 1890 432 432.
A spokeswoman for Microsoft also advised consumers to hang up if they received an unsolicited call from someone claiming to be from the company.
Further information is available from www.nca.ie.