A YEOVIL IT support company is warning against a computer scam which cons people into paying for security they do not need.

Guy Wigley, 39, managing director of Wessex Computers, said he has been getting reports of the scam from his customers since the start of the year.

He said targeted people receive a call from someone who claims to be able to see their computer. This person tells the unsuspecting owner the security of their machine is compromised and vulnerable to hackers and viruses.

The victim is then encouraged to pay for protection, which either sees a useless programme installed which does nothing or, more often than not, nothing installed at all.

Mr Wigley said: "They try to scare you into buying computer protection that doesn't work and you don't need.

"The person on the phone will tell you to go through a process on you computer – you see all these red and yellow exclamation marks and it all appears very convincing. But these sorts of minor errors occur all the time on every computer and are not putting your security in jeopardy.

"We're trying to warn people not to be fooled by this."

Mr Wigley started his computer business in Sherborne in 1999, providing IT support for local people and firms.

He said: "My wife received a call from one of these scammers a while ago and handed them on to me. It is scary how good they are, but I could tell right away that it was a con but I decided to play along for a bit.

"The chap seemed to be able to handle my questions well, mostly through educated guesswork."

Mr Wigley said the scammers take payment via debit card over the phone and take control of the computer remotely, installing a useless programme or doing nothing at all.

He said: "It's easy to see how people could be tricked and we're trying to prevent it.

"If you are worried about your computer you should take it to a company with a good reputation."

Wessex Computers which is based on Compton Road off the Babylon Hill roundabout, received national fame in 2009 with its simplicITy product, a computer made specifically for the elderly. The idea was supported by former Blue Peter presenter, Valerie Singleton.

The company will feature at the 50+ Show in the Olympia Grand Hall in London and is giving away tickets to the event to its next 50 customers. It can be contacted on 01935 434243.