Advisory: Deceptive ‘Computer Assistance’ Calls
Noting they have received reports from residents of phone calls from people alleging they represent the Bermuda Government, the police are reminding the public to “remain vigilant regarding phone calls, e-mails and other correspondence from unknown persons that attempt to obtain personal information or other sensitive data.”
A police spokesperson said, “Once again the Bermuda Police Service [BPS] would like to remind members of the public to remain vigilant regarding phone calls, e-mails and other correspondence from unknown persons that attempt to obtain personal information or other sensitive data.
“The BPS Organised and Economic Crime Department [OECD] has yet again received reports from local residents of telephone calls from unknown persons claiming to represent ‘Microsoft Windows.’
“But in a new variation of the scam, the unknown callers are also contacting residents stating that they represent the Bermuda Government.
“However, these deceptive calls are believed to come from overseas.
“The intent of the unknown callers is to convince contacted persons to provide remote access to their computer, using the excuse that the computer has some type of problem, which the caller states they will fix.
“Once remote access is granted, the unknown caller asks the resident to log-on to their electronic banking, where funds are eventually stolen.
“In the event the unknown caller’s computer access request is challenged or refused, the fraudster is known to make threats – including suggesting that the contacted person could be sent to jail for not cooperating.
“It is strongly recommended that such unsolicited phone calls, e-mails etc. be ignored.
“Residents are further reminded that personal information, including access details of their home computer[s], is valuable and that this information should never be relayed over the internet or phone to unknown persons.
“Any incidents of suspected internet fraud should be reported to the Financial Crime Unit on telephone number 247-1757 or via the e-mail address fraud2@bps.bm.”
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