Smithers resident Krista Smith said she has received two phone calls supposedly from the computer software giant Microsoft, claiming that they have received reports that her computer has a virus or one of various issues with her home computer.
"They keep telling me to run a few programs to 'prove' that there really is something wrong and then go to a website that allow them to remote access my computer," she said in an e-mail to The Interior News.
She hasn't fallen victim to the scam but said that she has found through research that when you go to that website the people will download malicious software all in the name of fixing your computer, and will demand payment.
The scam isn't limited to Canada. Microsoft's website has posted a news release warning Australian citizens about the operation.
Their advice to Australians, which should apply to Canadians as well, is to simply hang up on such calls.
The company said it does not cold call customers.
Smith said she hopes others in town won't be duped by the callers.
Coincidentally, March has been dubbed Fraud Prevention Month.
For information on fraud prevention visit the Better Business Bureau website.