BE AWARE of calls purporting to be from Microsoft, about a problem with your computer or laptop.

It is one of the latest scams doing the rounds, and a warning has been issued by the Isle of Wight Against Scams Partnership (IWASP).

The watchdog has issued a roundup of scams that have come to light this week and are of concern.

They say to be very wary of any unsolicited phone calls, emails and texts and remember to never click on links in any messages.

The 'Microsoft' scam is a phone call purporting to be from the company, saying there is a problem with your computer/laptop and it had been hacked and infected.

They tell the person their computer needs to be blocked and they offer lots of information and assurances that they are genuine.

However, Microsoft will never contact you in this way to tell you there is a problem.

It is a scam and you should hang up and block the number if you can.

There are also reports of scam texts and calls purporting to be from HMRC.

Sometimes they will indicate that you are entitled to a refund, other times they can be particularly intimidating accusing you of owing money and threatening arrest if you don’t do what they say.

Both are scams — HMRC will never contact you in this way.

It seems there are still scam mailings being received, so be wary of an opportunity that seems 'too good to be true' such as investment opportunities, lotteries you haven’t entered and inheritances from long distant relatives in foreign countries.

Remember scam texts can be forwarded to 7726 and phishing emails sent to report@phishing.gov.uk

Report scams via phone number 0300 123 2040.