POLICE are trying to make people aware of a cold-calling scam.

They say if you receive a cold call informing you that there is a problem with your computer, quite often claiming to represent Microsoft, you should ignore it and hang up — it's a scam.

A police spokesperson said: 'Microsoft or someone on their behalf will never call you.

'The motive of the caller is to make money illegally, nothing more. The caller will claim to be able to fix a fault on your computer for a fee. In that way they access your bank details and an extract further amounts if the account is not stopped.'

They said once you have followed their instruction over the phone and log on, they can then remotely access your computer so that it looks like they are doing some work on it.

In this way they can add malicious programmes to your computer which will extract additional data.

Police said if the call is uninvited — hang up.

Do not allow remote access to your computer and never divulge pin numbers or passwords — banks do not ask for them either.

If you believe you have fallen for this scam, get your computer checked by a reputable company and contact your bank to stop further payments.

Report the scam if you have been affected to Action Fraud on 0300 1232040 or at http://www.actionfraud.police.uk">www.actionfraud.police.uk