SCAMS targeting people through their laptops and making them call a number that stole their details are being exposed by a Whitchurch skills company.
A service user called Michael, aged 82, arrived at BizEd, in Whitchurch High Street, last Wednesday for his regular session learning all things digital.
He told staff and volunteers about how their help allowed him to see past a scammer trying to get financial details from him to steal his money.
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Carla Armstrong, from BizEd, explained that his laptop had frozen with a message saying it had a virus, as well as making strange noises, while a pop-up appeared on screen to give him a number to ring.
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She added that Michael told her that ‘if it hadn't been for the training about scams and viruses, I would have called that number’.
She said: “Awareness of scams, having up-to-date virus protection and a safe place to go and ask for help all meant that this time the scammers got nothing.
“We are so proud of Michael, because these scams are hard to spot, and he did.
“By sharing his story, we hope to help others stop the scammers.
“When Michael brought in his laptop we asked our neighbours Galaxy Computers for their help as we wanted to be sure that everything was safe.
“They were fantastic and gave the laptop a clean bill of health. Galaxy are the experts, and we appreciate their help.
“If you get this screen on your device the first thing to remember is Microsoft error and warning messages never include a phone number.”
Shye added that the guidance is to close the browser and turn off the device; if the screen is frozen, hold down the power button to turn your computer off; if you fear you have lost money call your bank immediately, use the phone number on the back of your card) and report to Action Fraud 0300 123 2040.
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BizEd is a CiC that is supported by Shropshire Council to provide digital skills training in Whitchurch and they have two drop-in sessions on Wednesday and Fridays from 10am until 12noon at 42 High Street, Whitchurch.
Carla added: “We have fantastic volunteers, and we are always looking to encourage new volunteers to join us in supporting learners with digital skills.”
She added that Michael has seen the funny side by wearing a mask throughout his sessions ‘to avoid the virus’.
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