At least two Jamestown residents were contacted on the phone Tuesday Jan 29, 2013 by an individual with a foreign accent, asking for them by first name, stating their computer had been reported as having virus problems.    They were instructed to type in an address,  which brought up a screen saying several thousand viruses existed on the computer.   At that point the scammer had taken control of the computer.

The scammer then went on to offer to remove the viruses,  and a screen appeared for them to type in credit card information.   

This is a known Phishing Scam.    Internet users are urged to never go to an address based on an unknown “voice”,  never give credit card numbers to unknown individuals who call you. 

If you received such a call and gave out credit card information,  turn off your computer and contact the local Police. 

If you received such a call and went to their website giving them remote control of your computer,  turn off your computer and contact a local computer technician for advice as to steps to check and remove any viruses placed on your computer by the scammer. 

It appears the scammers concentrate calls in a particular city or area code for a short time before the word gets out to the media.    By using public directories,  scammers get names and phone numbers,  to make it sound like they know the person they are calling. 

Be safe,  do not give credit card information to strangers.  Do not allow access to your computer to an unknown “voice” on the phone.     Report the scam if you believe you have given out passwords, credit card, or bank information in error.