Had a phonecall recently claiming to be from Microsoft customer support informing me that my computer had a serious virus infection and my online security was at risk. Over the phone he could talk me through a few simple steps to install some free software and to get rid of the virus. He was very professional, incredibly calm and insisted that as he didn't need any personal details there was absolutely no risk whatsoever.  Just three simple steps, Sir, and your computer is healthy and safe again

Looking back, I can't believe I almost fell for this one and alarm bells should have been ringing immediately, it sounded like a call centre in India and not from Microsoft...BUT it was pretty convincing at the time and a few things had aligned to give him credibility - my lap top had been playing up a bit, my anti-virus software had just expired and needed updating, I had called Apple's customer support the day before and that too had sounded like it was being taken from a call centre in India etc etc. He cleverly manipulated the little information I gave him to earn credibility in much the same way a phoney clairvoyant might predict your future.

Anyway, eventually I sussed him and told him to kiss my hoop but having looked it up since it is a popular scam and alot of people are falling for it. They basically talk you through a process to install software that they can then use to access personal details like bank accounts etc. He was a tricksy little fellow so hopefully I might help somebody falling for his sneaky traps.

Stay safe!