Staying safe

A quick word about tech support scams.

Fake "tech support" calls are one of the most common scams around, and they catch out careful, sensible people every day. If you have ever hung up on one, or worried afterwards that a call was not quite right, you are not alone, and you did nothing wrong by being cautious.

What we will never do

  • Cold call you out of the blue about a problem with your computer
  • Ask for remote access before you have contacted us first
  • Ask you to pay by gift card, crypto, or a bank transfer made under pressure
  • Ask you to keep the call secret from family or your bank
  • Pressure you to act immediately, on this call, right now

We only ever get in touch because you contacted us first. If in doubt, hang up and call us back yourself on +44 1642 040282, using the number on this site, not one a caller gives you.

Signs it is a scam

  • An unexpected call, text or pop-up claiming to be Microsoft, your bank, or "IT support", saying your computer has a virus
  • Being asked to install remote access software (AnyDesk, TeamViewer, Quick Assist) before you asked anyone for help
  • Being rushed, or told something terrible will happen if you hang up
  • Being asked to buy gift cards, transfer money, or move money to a "safe account"
  • Being told to keep the call private, or to lie to your bank if they ask

If you think you, or someone you know, has been caught out

Do not feel embarrassed, these scams are designed by professionals to fool careful people. A few practical steps help:

  • Turn off the computer or disconnect it from the internet, to stop any remote access.
  • If any payment was made or card details given, contact your bank straight away, they deal with this often.
  • Change important passwords from a different, unaffected device.
  • Report it to Action Fraud, the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime, on 0300 123 2040 or actionfraud.police.uk.

If you want us to check the computer over afterwards, get in touch, no judgement, just help.

Something feel off about a call you have had?

Get in touch