POLICE are warning people to be on their guard after reports fraudsters are operating a phone scam in Trafford.

Officers said that residents are being duped by people purporting to be from technology giant Microsoft.

The scammers call potential victims, asking them to sit at their computer and update their Microsoft software, taking credit card details as payment.

This is not the first time that the fraudsters have targeted Trafford residents.

GMP Trafford North have issued advice on how not to fall victim to the scam.

On their Facebook page, officers advised: “Be suspicious of unsolicited calls related to a security problem, even if they claim to represent a respected company; never provide personal information, such as credit card or bank details, to an unsolicited caller; do not go to a website, type anything into a computer, install software or follow any other instruction from someone who calls out of the blue; use up-to-date versions of Windows and application software.

“Make sure security updates are installed regularly; use a strong password and change it regularly; and make sure the firewall is turned on and that antivirus software is installed and up to date.”