NEW tablets, computers and smartphones will no doubt feature in many people's Christmas stockings - but a computer expert is warning owners not to fall victim to scammers.

Will Lavis, from Ezee PCs in Pershore, said he has seen an increase in customers who have been fooled by the "Microsoft phone scam" - a scam where hackers falsely claim to be from the company to take control of computers.

And with electronic devices being top of most people's gift lists, he fears more people will fall for the scam which allows the hackers access to personal data and often sees them demanding money.

Cold callers claim there is a virus in the victim's computer, asking them to turn it on before giving them a series of instructions to allow them to "fix the problem".

It allows the caller remote access, enabling them to look at files and download software to the PC that allows them to connect to it whenever the victim's internet is connected.

Mr Lavis said: "We've been getting five or six phone calls a week with people thinking something is wrong with their computers because they have been told so by these callers.

"They are telling people they have spotted a virus on their computer and then instruct them how to let them take control of their device.

"In some cases, they are demanding as much as £400, threatening to delete data or just scrambling the computer - it can be very distressing for some people.

"It is not just elderly people affected but we have people who know a bit about computers but are caught at the wrong time.

"We really want to put a stop to it happening.

"Most people have niggles with their computers but Microsoft or any internet service providers are unlikely to call you up about it."

The advice from West Mercia Police is to never to do anything to your computer on the request of a cold caller.

Install good anti-virus and anti-spyware software on to the PC from a legitimate source and update them regularly.

Always check any security updates for Microsoft or Apple Mac operating system to help protect the device.

Also, never give any personal or bank details out over the phone, by email or by letter to any cold caller, whoever they might claim to be.

For more information or to report a call, contact Citizens Advice consumer service on 08454 040506 and Action Fraud on 0300 1232040.

Alternatively, visit actionfraud.police.uk/.