Computer owners in Canada, Great Britain, South Africa and the United States are among the most recent victims of an elaborate scam that uses the Microsoft brand name as a ruse to steal information from unsuspecting computer users. In some instances, having spyware removal programs did not guarantee the security of the user's computer.

The scam typically begins with an unsolicited phone call or email from someone claiming to with Microsoft Tech Support. The person says that the computer has come under attack by a virus and that the user needs to install software to fix the problem. Once the user has downloaded the software, the person requests a credit card payment to prevent viruses from cropping up again.

Unfortunately, in many instances, the software the user has downloaded is actually spyware that gives the impostor remote access to the computer. Any information that is not encrypted is now readily accessible to the fraudster.

Last month, Microsoft removed "Gold status" from Comantra, a support partner in India, after discovering it was involved in one such scam. Still, internet reports state that some Microsoft users are still receiving unsolicited calls and emails from people claiming to be Microsoft employees.

According to Microsoft, it will never contact a customer with unsolicited service recommendations, send an email with security updates attached to it, claim that a user has won the "Microsoft Lottery" or request credit card information to validate software.

The Microsoft website lists common scams and tips to avoid being scammed. It will also says it will list any legitimate security updates on its website.

If users think they may be victims of fraud, they should contact a Maryland spyware removal expert, who can inspect the computer to determine if any harmful programs have been unknowingly downloaded.