SCAMMERS are taking control of people’s computers and demanding payments of hundreds of pounds to release them again.
Trading standards say tens of thousands of users nationally are falling victim to the con, which begins when they ask for help with a printer error.
The fraudsters claim to offer ‘printer helplines’, which are actually fake, via online adverts placed high on search engines or social media.
Users then allow scammers remote access to their computers, allowing them to steal information such as bank account details or demand money to hand back control.
Visit www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040 to report cases of fraud.
