Trading Standards - Remote Access Scams - Software Updates

6th March 2025

There have been recent reports of cold callers who say they work for an IT company. They say there have been issues with automatic updates to Microsoft software and ask you to allow them to access your computer remotely so they can 'run a check'.

One person who received this call had been experiencing some issues with their computer, so allowed the caller to access it remotely. The caller said they were going to install a new version of Microsoft Office and advised the consumer to pay for a maintenance program which would supposedly prevent future issues.

The consumer agreed to pay around £400 for the maintenance fee, as well as a further £200 for antivirus software.

They later asked a friend to look at their computer and discovered that no new software had actually been downloaded.

How to Avoid
Never follow instructions from an unsolicited caller to download an app or software which would allow them to access your computer remotely.

Legitimate companies will not call or text you unexpectedly to tell you about a potential problem on your computer.

If you receive an unexpected call about a computer problem, hang up and don't provide any information.

If you're worried that you have given a scammer access to your computer and that your details have been hacked, contact your bank immediately - they may be able to stop the money leaving your account. You should also report it to Police Scotland on 101.

Find out more
ScamShare PDF: www.tsscot.co.uk/Spotlight-RemoteAccess.pdf
Advice from Microsoft avoiding scams: https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/protect-yourself-from-tech-support-scams
Advice from TeamViewer on avoiding scams: www.teamviewer.com/what-do-you-do-when-somebody-calls-you-to-say-that-you-have-a-problem-with-your-computer

Scams
In Scotland, report all scams to Advice Direct Scotland by calling 0808 164 6000 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) or online at www.consumeradvice.scot

Fraud
If you have been the victim of fraud, report it to Police Scotland on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Suspicious Emails
You can forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and send links from websites which you think are trying to scam the public to the National Cyber Security Centre's scam website reporting service at www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/about-this-website/report-scam-website

Suspicious Text Messages
If you receive a suspicious text message you can forward it to 7726. The free-of-charge ‘7726' service enables your provider to investigate and take action if malicious content is found.
Scams
In Scotland, report all scams to Advice Direct Scotland by calling 0808 164 6000 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) or online at www.consumeradvice.scot

Fraud
If you have been the victim of fraud, report it to Police Scotland on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Suspicious Emails
You can forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and send links from websites which you think are trying to scam the public to the National Cyber Security Centre's scam website reporting service at www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/about-this-website/report-scam-website

Suspicious Text Messages
If you receive a suspicious text message you can forward it to 7726. The free-of-charge ‘7726' service enables your provider to investigate and take action if malicious content is found.
Scams
In Scotland, report all scams to Advice Direct Scotland by calling 0808 164 6000 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) or online at www.consumeradvice.scot

Fraud
If you have been the victim of fraud, report it to Police Scotland on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Suspicious Emails
You can forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and send links from websites which you think are trying to scam the public to the National Cyber Security Centre's scam website reporting service at www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/about-this-website/report-scam-website

Suspicious Text Messages
If you receive a suspicious text message you can forward it to 7726. The free-of-charge ‘7726' service enables your provider to investigate and take action if malicious content is found.