A MAN from Denbigh lost hundreds of pounds after hi-tech con artists struck for a third time.
Bryn Jones, 64, was one of a number of people targeted by the scam.
He received a phone call from an imposter pretending to be from Microsoft, saying he had a virus on his computer.
The woman caller then directed him through a search process, which brought up results that she told him were hundreds of viruses damaging his system.
They could remove them for a fee of £250, the caller said, and Mr Jones paid by credit card.
Mr Jones’ daughter later told him it was a scam happening across Denbighshire over the last year and he rang back the original caller asking for an explanation.
He was given a selection of phone numbers to call for a refund, all of which did not connect to a working line, and was eventually cut off by the woman on the phone who had claimed to be from Microsoft.
“I have had to change my bank account to ensure they can’t take any more money and I’m in the process of trying to get back the money they took,” said Mr Jones.
“They were so plausible that I believed them. I didn’t think to question it as I trade with reputable businesses in Denbigh and I am not used to having to check up on them.
“I’ve learned a big lesson and now I would always take my computers to the experts. This is going to cost people a lot of money.”
The Free Press reported a similar scam in October last year when computer support company Catalyst Systems in Denbigh had nine customers affected in four weeks.
A company pretending to work for Microsoft told the victims they had spyware on their computers and that it could be removed on another website that they were then directed to. Spyware can lead to victims’ personal information being viewed, including banking details.
The victims of this scam, who did not have spyware, were then given it through the website they were sent to.
“Microsoft would never contact anyone by phone on any subject,” said Rory McGough from Catalyst Systems.
“These people are clearly targeting vulnerable people who wouldn’t know any different.
“A lot of people locally have been getting these calls and too many of them will be losing their money in the same way.”
Denbighshire was targeted again in March this year when more than 20 victims visiting eBay, Autotrader and Facebook were alerted they had a virus.
When they clicked on the alert, which stated it would remove the infected file, it downloaded a virus to the computer taking over the whole machine.
“We are calling on individuals to be vigilant,” said a spokeswoman from North Wales Police. “Never give personal details or part with money over the phone unless you are 100 per cent certain.”
If you have concerns contact North Wales Police on on 101, 0845 6071001 (Welsh) or 0845 6071002 (English).
You can also call Crimestoppers Wales/Cymru anonymously on 0800555111.
If anyone is concerned about this issue they can also contact Rory McGough at Catalyst Systems on 01745 816611.