Rochester police warn residents not to reveal personal information or respond to requests via phone to visit select websites following reports of a scam.

Police said scammers might pose as Microsoft employees as part of the company’s help desk, service center, or technical support division. When contacted by phone, residents may be asked to purchase software or services. This is an attempt to secure personal information, such as usernames and passwords.

Police caution residents to not purchase anything. If residents suspect a scam, they are encouraged to call the Rochester Police Department at 508-763-5112. Microsoft informed police that neither the company nor its partners make unsolicited calls to charge for computer security or software repairs.

If you suspect your software has been compromised immediately change passwords for your computer, email, and financial accounts. Then scan your computer to check for unauthorized programs and install Microsoft Security Essentials, a free program.