Trading standards officers in Wiltshire are warning people of a computer virus scan con.

The scam operates after people have gone online. A company claiming to be Windows XP service provider warns the person that their computer is infected with a virus and attempts to obtain credit card and personal details from victims.

Sue Wilkin, Wiltshire Council’s trading standards team leader, said: “This is a complete scam which has been reported to trading standards in other areas of the country and there have been over a hundred reported victims and doubtless many more that have not realised they have been conned.

“No genuine service provider would cold call you in this way. Giving personal details over the phone could result in you losing money and even your identity.”