CYBER scammers targeting personal information are now acting through phone calls rather than e-mail viruses.

A senior West Mercia detective is urging people to be extra vigilant after reports of a number of people being targeted by bogus telephone calls.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Williamson said information from Worcestershire Regulatory Services indicated that local people had been receiving phone calls from a scam company claiming there was a fault with their computer.

The scammers have been telling residents that their computers are about to crash and requesting £200 to fix the fault.

If the fee is paid, the fraudsters then gain remote access to the victims’ computers and potentially to personal information, such as bank details and passwords.

Worcestershire Regulatory Services joint committee chairman Lucy Hodgson said: “Residents should be aware that neither Microsoft nor its partners make unsolicited calls to fix your computer. If you receive a cold call from a company claiming you have a fault on your computer, be on your guard and do not pay any fees.

“Consult a reputable local computer repair business if you feel there may be an issue.”

For further information, or to report a call, contact Citizens Advice consumer service on 08454 040506 or visit actionfraud.police.uk.