I have been called four times in the last week by someone claiming to be from Microsoft. They tell me my computer is continuously downloading "bad, malicious software."

They try to get me to boot my computer so they can tell me how to fix this.

Apparently this group of cons are working northwest Florida area code hard and heavy.

If this happens to you, HANG UP! Or get a call back number and report them to the Florida Consumer Protection Agency. I did and this is what they advised me.



"Thank you for contacting the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

As per our conversation, the issue you described sounds a lot like a Microsoft Impersonation Scam. If you would like to read an article about that scam, from Snopes.com, please select the following link: http://www.snopes.com/fraud/telephone/microsoft.asp
.
The most effective way to put a stop to these types of calls is to register your phone number with the Federal Trade Commission’s National Do Not Call Registry by calling 1-888-382-1222 and our Florida Do Not Call Program. Both programs protect you from unwanted sales calls free of charge. To register your number with the Florida Do Not Call Program, please contact us directly or subscribe on line by clicking here
.
You may also request our assistance by filing a complaint using the attached complaint form or click here to file your complaint online
. This process will ensure that we have all of the required information to effectively assist you.
Complaint Filing:
Once you are at our complaint page you will see our Consumer Complaint Form and the options below it to either file your complaint online, and send it to us through our website, or print the form to be filled out and mailed to us.

Although it is not required, you are welcome to provide supporting documents with your complaint. There a couple of ways to do this.

- If you submit your complaint online you can upload supporting documents once you have completed, and submitted, your complaint.
- If you download and print the form you can mail it to us along with copies of your supporting documents.

If you have questions, or need any further assistance, please contact our call center at (850) 410-3800 or toll free in Florida at 1-800-435-7352."