Sir - It would seem that now I'm considered old and past it by the fraudster community, I'm being targeted by "Internet Security Companies" who tell me my computer and my email address has been taken over by hackers and fraudsters and that I have been blacklisted by Microsoft.

The numbers I'm called from are either "number withheld" or 01234567890 (it is possible now to put a false number on a standard caller display phone).

The caller has my full name, address, telephone number, e-mail address IP address and date of birth (all these are readily available on line - money can buy such information!!!).

The caller then sates I have two options - buy a new computer or let him/her fix my computer remotely!

It all sounds very plausible - but it is a scam for them to access your computer to get as much information as possible (bank accounts, passwords etc. etc.) plus they will have control of your computer in the future.

Please take care when and if you receive such a call - they target the elderly (don't forget they have your DOB)

John Carnie

Worcester