CYBER fraud detectives say they’ve seen a rise in the number of calls from scammers posing as internet service providers.

Police forces across the UK have warned of a rise in cyber-crime over the past year. Last November, the National Cyber Security Centre – a part of spy agency GCHQ – said it had fought off more than 700 cyber- attacks in the past 12 months, including 200 linked to coronavirus-related frauds such as organised criminals posing as PPE suppliers.

But detectives say that one to watch for in 2021 is the fake internet provider out to gain access to your computer. 

A police spokesperson said: “The internet one will be a call to say ‘we see your internet coverage isn’t great at the moment, can we direct you to a Windows prompt? The person making the call is then pretty much remoting into someone’s computer. 

“That’s then allowing them access information on that computer. We have seen that manifest itself into banking transactional crime, so people losing out with funds taken out of accounts.” 

In some cases tens of thousands of pounds had been lost, he said.

Check the details of the sender or caller. A bank or internet service provider won’t be texting or calling you from a personal 07 mobile number – and they won’t ask you for pin numbers or transfer cash.

Report suspicious calls or texts to Action Fraud online or on 0300 123 2040.