A Forbes resident received the call on their home phone on Wednesday afternoon, and the caller claimed they were investigating a case of identity theft. They then asked for access to the resident’s computer. 

After a lengthy period of time on the phone, during which the caller was described as “very convincing”, they asked the resident to pay a $400 fee to regain access to their own computer.  

The caller was willing to reduce the fee to $300 and was to call back in half an hour, but the resident didn’t hear any more from them and reported the matter to Forbes police. 

Police are still investigating whether bank accounts have been accessed.  

They urge local residents not to give cold callers remote access to their computer, or to release bank account or other details to them.