It starts with a telephone call from someone you have never heard of, claiming your computer has a fault.

The caller purports to be a Microsoft technical support worker, who offers to sort out the problem. All you have to do is pay a fee using your credit card or debit card.

If your computer IS giving you problem you might think the call is a happy coincidence and willingly part with your money. If you do, not only will the fault not be repaired, but you could find your bank account is raided and emptied before you've said a cheery goodbye.

This cold calling scam, believed to operate form India, has been running for the couple of years and still it catches people out!

The truth is that Microsoft and other reputable companies NEVER cold call customer touting for business. Nor would they ever ask you for your bank details. If your computer is nt working properly, take it to a shop, or call Freelance Computers :)

There are a lot of tricksters about, keen to relieve the unwary of their money, these numbers will grow with the recession...don't get caught!