Trading Standards have warned people to be on their guard against computer hackers following a string of complaints about suspicious calls from overseas.

Officers say hundreds of people across the district, including Keighley, could have been targeted by the calls from an unidentified source.

West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service said callers claimed to be from an online software or internet provider that had identified a problem with their computer or internet connection. A scammer then attempted to obtain users’ account details in order to perform upgrades.

Trading Standards said the intention was to gain access to secure information including bank details which would normally be protected.

WYTS chief officer Graham Hebblethwaite said: “Although the majority of people will see this type of scam for exactly what it is, some may well be panicked into believing their computer has got a virus.”

Local people are being encouraged to share the information with friends and relatives, particularly vulnerable or older people.

Anyone who feels they may have fallen victim to a scam can contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or Trading Standards by contacting the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0845 404 0506.