Printer scam catching out consumers

Trading Standards has advised consumers to be vigilant of scammers trying to gain access to their computers by claiming to be from a "printer helpline" before stealing personal information or demanding money.

An estimated 32,000 people fell victim to computer service fraud in the UK in 2016, according to Action Fraud, a near-50% rise since 2014.

The latest scam involves convincing consumers to contact fraudsters of their own accord, on the premise that there is a problem with the user's printer which requires technical support, the BBC reports.

Consumers are fooled by fraudsters claiming to have links well-known computer and printer brands, only realising that they have been a victim of a scam after the event.

"While victims expect they will receive help with their printer problems, they have in fact been lured into a trap, and find themselves at risk of losing money or important personal information and also have their computer security compromised," said Mike Andrews, lead co-ordinator of the National Trading Standards eCrime team.

He added that the printer scam is "particularly pernicious" because it encourages victims to reach out to fraudsters. Typically, it is the scammers who make the initial call.

Consumer guidelines advise to seek out the manufacturer's website to get the official contact details when technical support for a printer is required.

Consumers are also told to be suspicious of helplines asking to take control of your computer to fix a printer problem, while up-to-date anti-virus software is suggested to stop pop-ups from bogus services.