We recently had a call from a concerned client. They told us someone had phoned claiming to be from their IT support team. The problem was, it was not us. No one from our team had made that call.
It was a reminder that scammers are always on the lookout for opportunities, and they will target anyone they think might be vulnerable.
Why phone scams still work
In the UK, phishing is one of the most common types of cyber crime. Around 90% of businesses that experience a cyber incident say phishing or spoofing was involved. Globally, almost every cyber attack has some form of social engineering in it. That means scammers are not just relying on technology. They are relying on people trusting them.
They often pretend to be from a familiar helpdesk or a trusted company. And if you are caught off guard, it can be easy to get drawn in.
What to do if you get an unexpected “IT support” call
If someone calls claiming to be from your IT support team, take a moment to think before you act.
Do not call them back from the same line they rang you on.
Use another device such as a mobile to check with your actual IT support team.
Never share sensitive information or grant access unless you have confirmed who they are.
Calling us from a separate device is the safest option. Our support desk is on 01536 851140 and we will always confirm if we have called you.
Why It Pays to Plan Ahead
By leaving your upgrade until the last minute can lead to stock shortages, installation delays and disruption to your operations. Planning now means you can:
Spread out the cost of upgrades
Schedule installations during quieter periods for your business
Train your team on any changes before they affect productivity
Why using a mobile or separate line helps
Some scammers can keep a landline connection open even after you think you have hung up. This means they can still be on the line when you try to call someone else, which can throw you off. Using a mobile or a different phone line makes it harder for them to interfere.
Scammers use updates as an excuse
When there is a big software update, such as the upcoming end of Windows 10 support, scammers see it as a golden opportunity. They may tell you there is a problem with your update and offer to fix it. This is often a ploy to get you to give them access to your systems.
Microsoft will never call you to ask for personal details or remote access. The same goes for us, if you are unsure, check with us directly.
Technology helps, but people are the key
We can put all the firewalls, anti-virus tools and protections in place, but scammers will still look for ways to trick people. Human error is often what they rely on.
In the UK, cyber-enabled fraud affects around 3% of businesses, costing an average of £5,900 per incident. That is a lot of money to lose over something that could often be prevented with a quick double-check.
Stay alert, stay safe
Always verify any unexpected IT calls before acting
Never share information or give access without checking
Be cautious with any calls related to updates or security issues
If in doubt, hang up and call us on a separate device
Staying vigilant will protect your business, your data and your reputation. If you ever have any concerns, our team is here to help.
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