Fraudsters are posing as government officials in a scam designed to fool people into handing over bank details, police warned yesterday.

A police spokesman said the crooks have attempted to get sensitive information trough phone calls and e-mails.

The Organised and Economic Crime Department has received reports from members of the public concerned about phone calls from people who claimed to represent Microsoft Windows.

The unknown callers are from overseas but say they represent the Bermuda Government.

The spokesman added: “The intent is to convince contacted persons to provide remote access to their computer, using the excuse that the computer has some type of problem, which the caller states they will fix.

“Once remote access is granted, the unknown caller asks the resident to log on to their electronic banking, where funds are eventually stolen.

“If the caller’s computer access request is challenged or refused, the fraudster is known to make threats — including suggesting that the contacted person could be sent to jail for not co-operating.

The spokesman warned people to ignore unsolicited phone calls and e-mails. He added that personal information, including access details for home computers, should never be disclosed over the internet or phone to unknown people.

Any incidents of suspected internet fraud should be reported to the Financial Crime Unit on 247-1757 or by e-mail to fraud2@bps.bm.