A TETBURY resident has been targeted in a scam which allows fraudsters to gain access to computers.

As part of the scam, the caller, who claims to represent Microsoft Windows, rings from a fake number, asks people enter a code on their computer so they can gain remote access to their machine.

The resident was suspicious of the caller and dialled 1471 to trace the call and found that it originated in the US, before reporting the incident to police.

The bogus caller claims an application or programme on the computer is causing problems for Windows and they can fix it.

A female representative of a silver surfers group in Evesham, was also targeted in the scam.

They received three similar calls, one in Broadway and two in Evesham, and had received a call herself at their home

The resident, who did not want to be named, said: "It's an absolute rip off this thing. Once they've got the control of your keyboard they can wipe everything out. They can do a lot of damage.

"Once you put this code in, it gives them the right to take over your display. Then they can clear all your files, go through your bank details, everything. People must be aware they mustn't do it. "

They added people must be aware of calls from the number 0203 129 1891 as this is a fake number and does not work.

"I phoned BT and they say it's a scam and it's a false number," she added. "It's come from overseas. It's quite worrying."

If anyone has been targeted by the scam or has information then call police on 101.