Consumer protection organizations are seeing a resurgence of a telephone fraud scheme that first popped up back in 2008. In this scam, the caller represents himself as a Microsoft or Windows technician and claims that he can solve a computer problem for the individual he's reached by phone.

Here at The Press we've heard from several readers who were recently contacted similarly.

One reader told us he received two of the phone calls.

"They stated that Microsoft had received error notices showing that my computer had a virus and they needed me to turn over remote control to them so they could fix it," the gentleman told us.

He hung up and called Microsoft and waited on hold for 25 minutes, for a live person, who confirmed for him what he suspected, that it was indeed a scam.

Last year, The Press reported that a man in Post Falls had fallen for the scheme. He entered code numbers into his computer, given to him by a fake Microsoft representative who had called his home. He unwittingly allowed the scammer to spend 15 minutes remotely roaming around his hard drives before realizing the person was up to no good and disconnecting.

When the man called Microsoft directly for guidance, a real tech support representative discovered that the caller had planted a nasty virus on his computer.

The Better Business Bureau warns that the callers are now sometimes claiming to be selling software.

According to Microsoft, once these scammers have access to the computer they can install malicious software, steal personal information, take control of the computer remotely or direct consumers to fraudulent websites where they are asked to enter their credit card information.

Microsoft's Online Safety and Security Center states that neither Microsoft nor its partners make unsolicited phone calls.

Here are some of the organizations that cyber-criminals claim to be from: Windows Helpdesk; Windows Service Center; Microsoft Tech Support; Microsoft Support; Windows Technical Department Support Group; and Microsoft Research and Development Team (Microsoft R & D Team).

The BBB advises consumers to follow these tips to protect themselves from scammers attempting to access their computer:

* Go through your service provider directly. If you are concerned your computer may be exposed to viruses or other security threats, contact your service provider directly. Some providers offer free tools that can help detect and remove viruses.

* Install virus detection. To help protect your computer from viruses, make sure you have virus detection software installed on your computer. This software can also help identify if a virus appears on your computer.

* Don't trust cold calls. Never give out personal information, over the phone, to someone you don't know. If the caller claims there is a security threat to your computer, hang up and call your computer company directly.

* Find a computer repair company you can trust. The BBB provides a list of accredited companies on its website, bbb.org.

Contact Press reporter Maureen Dolan at mdolan@cdapress.com or 664-8176, ext. 2005.