Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Wiltshire trading standards warn of computer virus scam.

Wiltshire Council's trading standards team are warning residents about a cold call scam which attempts to obtain credit card and personal details from victims.

The scam operates after people have gone online. They are contacted by a company claiming to be Windows XP service provider who warns the person that their computer is infected with a virus. The company asks a number of questions before requiring ID information and credit card details.

Sue Wilkin, Wiltshire Council's trading standards team leader, advises: "This is a complete scam which has been reported to trading standards in other areas of the country, and there have been over a hundred reported victims and doubtless many more that have not realised they have been conned. Many people are not sufficiently computer literate to know whether what they are told is true, and some of the victims have given all their personal and financial details to these fraudsters. No genuine service provider would cold call you in this way and giving personal details over the phone could result in you losing money and even your identity to these fraudsters."

People who are unsure of any cold call should always seek advice from Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 before giving out personal or financial details.