Support
Think you’ve been scammed or hacked?
Don’t panic, and don’t be embarrassed: it happens to careful people every day. Do these things now, in this order.
Do these things now
- If money or bank details are involved, call your bank first. Dial 159 from any phone to reach most UK banks’ fraud teams safely, or ring the number on the back of your card. Never use a number given to you in the call, text or email.
- Cut them off. Hang up, stop replying, and don’t follow any more instructions. If someone still has control of your computer, unplug it from the internet or switch it off.
- Change your passwords, starting with your email, then online banking and anything that uses the same password. Do it from a device you trust, and turn on two-step sign-in where you can.
- Report it. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, report to Report Fraud online or on 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. Forward scam texts to 7726, and scam emails to [email protected].
Then let us check your computer
If you let someone onto your computer, installed something you were asked to, or clicked a link you’re unsure about, have it checked before you use it for banking again. Bring it into our Llanidloes shop, or raise a ticket and we can look at it remotely. We’ll look for anything left behind, remove it, and make sure your protection and updates are working.
A virus scan, updates and security check in our workshop is £30. On Care & Support Standard, remote help like this is included.
How to spot the next one
- A call, text or pop-up out of the blue saying your computer has a virus, your broadband is being cut off, or there’s a problem with your bank account.
- Pressure to act right now, or a warning not to tell anyone.
- Being asked to install software, read out a code, or log in to your bank while they watch.
- Being asked to buy gift cards or move money to a “safe account”. Banks and the police never ask for this.
We will never contact you out of the blue asking to connect to your computer or for a password. If you’re ever unsure whether a call or email is really from us, hang up and contact us using the details on this website.