An Amman Valley councillor who was targeted by a telephone IT scam is warning others to be vigilant.

County Councillor Kevin Madge said he was called by someone claiming to be working with Microsoft and who had identified a problem with his computer. He then asked for money to fix it.

Cllr Madge recognised it has a hoax call but fears the elderly and vulnerable may become victims of the scam.

The scam sees victims talked through the log-on steps in order for the fraudster to gain remote access to the computer. The victims will then often witness the mouse moving and changes being made to the display.

They then pay a fee - anything between £100 and £300 has been reported to Action Fraud - and are told the problem has been resolved. Once the initial payment has been processed it is not uncommon for additional larger payments to be debited from the victim’s account.

In addition to charging a fee to fix the computer, in some instances programs are also installed that allow the fraudsters unlimited access to the computer without the victim’s knowledge. This permits them to have access to information such as personal data as well as view online transactions so that further illegal activity may to be carried out.

Cllr Madge said: "I urge people to be vigilant and put the phone down as soon as they fear it could be a scam."

If anyone has been affected by this scam email Trading Standards tradingstandards@carmarthenshire.gov.uk or call 0345 4040506.