RESIDENTS are being warned to be on the lookout for a computer scam.

Bolton Council’s Trading Standards team is warning people about the return of a con from earlier this year.

An initial warning was issued after a number of Bolton residents received phone calls from people claiming to be from Microsoft.

The caller asked if their computer was running slowly and suggested it was infected with a virus.

The caller then said the problem could be fixed if the resident logged onto their computer and entered their credit card details in to buy software.

But the calls were a scam and led to people buying software that deleted files and disabled anti-virus software.

Trading Standards North West has reported a resurgence of these calls in the region and is repeating the warning.

It is not unusual for most computers to run slower than when first bought and Microsoft never use cold-calling methods.

People are advised to ignore the caller and immediately put the phone down if they receive such a call.

The council’s executive member for regeneration, housing and skills, Cllr Ismail Ibrahim, said: “This scam could end up with people handing over their credit card details, as well as buying software which damages their computer. No reputable company phones you out of the blue offering to fix your computer.

We would advise anyone who receives a call like this to put down the phone.”

For more information call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.