I refer to Jennifer Stevens’ letter A Warning To Internet Users, which referred to a “Microsoft Windows 7 security centre” making calls to rectify internet problems with individual customers.

Microsoft Malta is aware of a seemingly ongoing scam whereby local individuals have been receiving a number of international phone calls from people identifying themselves as Microsoft representatives. These unknown callers inform the individual that their computer might be at risk and that they are in a position to run some diagnostics tests only after they purchase software to protect their machines, in which case, the unknown callers are asking individuals for their personal credit card details.

Microsoft Malta denies any involvement in such activity and confirms that this is an outright and harmful scam. Microsoft Malta advises the public not to take heed of such phone calls. The company never runs any form of diagnostics tests over the phone and never seeks to sell any of its products to individual customers over the phone.

Furthermore, Microsoft offers home or small business PC users a free solution to guard themselves against viruses, spyware and other evil software.

For further information users can visit www.microsoft.com/securityessentials.

Microsoft is constantly active in investigating and taking action against any form of fraud when found, including taking legal action where necessary. As such, Microsoft Malta urges the public to never give sensitive information such as personal details and credit card details over the phone. Individuals who experience a similar incident are urged to immediately report it to the respective authorities.

In the case of any contact from third parties claiming to be representing Microsoft, the public is encouraged to contact the local Microsoft office to confirm the validity of any such situations.