THE Isle of Man Office of Fair Trading has issued a warning to the Manx public about a recent surge in phone calls from fake computer experts, offering repair services.

Phone calls have been received on the Island from callers claiming to represent IT suppliers. Consumers and local businesses have received calls saying that there are problems or warnings on their computers.

In one case the callers claimed to be from Microsoft or Windows Maintenance. Following an initial conversation, the callers turned the subject on to how much they would charge to deal with the problem. 

The OFT said today, “None of those who were contacted agreed to pay for the ‘repair service’; however they could see how easy it would be to panic consumers into paying for this ‘service’.

“Although legitimate companies may contact consumers by telephone it is important to make checks on the company before agreeing to any services they offer.”

The OFT has issued guidelines and suggested the following:-

•  Don't feel obliged to continue with the conversation – put the phone down. 

•  If you carry on with the call advise the caller that you do not wish to make an immediate decision. Tell them you will contact them should you decide to take up their offer. 

•  Ask for full contact details, including a telephone number. Be wary of a company which only provides a mobile phone number. 

•  Put the company's name into an internet search engine to see what you can find out, but don't be fooled by professional-looking websites as scammers are good at making their scams look authentic. 

•  If the company purports to be based in the UK, check with Companies House (www.companieshouse.gov.uk) to make sure that it is correctly registered. 

•  Do not provide any financial details until you have taken the above steps and decided to accept the offer - in particular your credit or debit card details as these transactions can be difficult to cancel with your bank. 

•  Check with your own IT support or someone you know if you are worried.

Consumers may wish to consider asking for their names to be removed from telemarketing lists. To do so you should contact the Telephone Preference Service, telephone 0845 070 0707 or visit its website www.tpsonline.org.uk.

The OFT statement added, “Protect your financial information - never give your bank account or card details to someone you aren’t satisfied is legitimate.”

Further information is available from Andrea Tabb, Advice Centre Manager, OFT - tel. 01624 686565.