Bay of Plenty residents are being warned of a computer scam with a new twist.

Consumer NZ is says a Consumer member lost $150 in 2011 when PC scammer phoned saying they could repair her computer.

People are being warned about an old scam with a new twist.

In a new twist, she received two more phone calls at the end of last year from someone saying they were calling from England to refund the money.

Consumer NZ says the woman was told if she logged into her computer, he could refund the money.

'He said he was from the Virtual PC Doctor which had been ordered by the government to return the money. She said she wasn't interested and contacted Consumer,” a statement from the New Zealand organisation said.

'Variations have been happening overseas. They include the Virtual PC Doctor claiming they are being closed down and have been forced to refund the money or told by the Australian government to refund money. In all cases they need access to your computer and want your credit card details.”

Consumer NZ chief executive Sue Chetwin says people should be wary of giving any details via telephone.

'The best option if you receive an offer via phone to repair your computer is to hang up.”