A 35-YEAR-OLD man in Swindon was arrested on suspicion of computer software fraud.
The scam he allegedly carried out involved telling victims on the phone or on a pop up message that they have problems with their computers, then persuading them that the fictitious problem can be fixed for a fee, often tricking them into giving remote access to their computers. This allows the fraudster to introduce viruses and malware permitting their personal data to be accessed.
Trading standards and police officers carried out entry warrants at the homes of the local suspect, and of a 64-year-old man and 34-year-old woman in Birmingham who were both arrested on suspicion of being involved in the alleged scam.
All three have been interviewed and released pending further investigation.
The operation was led by officers of the National Trading Standards eCrime Team supported by officers from Wiltshire, West Midlands and Staffordshire Police.
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