Telemarketing scam

RESIDENTS are being warned to watch out for a telemarketing scam, offering to remove viruses from home computers.
Consumer Affairs Minister Tony Robinson said scammers were cold-calling households across the state claiming to have detected a virus and offering to remotely connect to their computer to clear it.
Consumers are asked to pay a fee of up to $300 by credit card for the service.
However, Mr Robinson said the scammers appeared to be taking consumers’ money and providing no service or any proof that there was a virus infecting the computer.
He says Victorians should be immediately suspicious if called out of the blue by someone claiming their computer is infected with a virus and offering to fix it.
“In this scam, telemarketers tell households their computer has a virus and requires immediate repairs to protect stored information. The scammers claim they can provide technical support and clear the virus for a fee,” he said.
“However, this is just a ruse to con you out of your money or personal financial details.”
For information and advice or to dob-in a scam, call Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300 55 81 81 or visit www.consumer.vic.gov.au