Microsoft Malta warned today about a 'harmful scam'  whereby individuals have been receiving a number of international phone calls from callers 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 general 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," the company said.

Microsoft said it was constantly active in investigating and taking action against any form of fraud when found, including taking legal action where necessary.

It urged users not to give sensitive information such as personal details and credit card details over the phone. Individuals who experience a similar incident were urged to immediately report it to the authorities or the local Microsoft office.