Here in AU there was an AV scam that did the rounds earlier this year.  You would receive a phone call and someone stating they were from Microsoft support would inform you that your system had been infected with a virus and that they were there to help you clean it up.  They would direct you to the web site and encourage you to select one of their support packages the cheapest being $94 for one year and upwards from there.  The calls I received were using callerID spoofing so I assume they were using compromised VOIP systems (plenty of those around). I'm guessing because someone is doing it again the scam is worthwhile.

Anyway, Chris (thanks) mentioned that they seem to be active again in the US and based on the web site also in the UK. In this call they represented themselves as Microsoft and they needed immediate access to the machine to help fix the problem.  

Seeing as many of you may be spending time with less IT savvy people in the next few days, maybe mention this so they don't fall for it.  I know a few elderly people that have now repeatedly purchased a fake service such as provided by these people calling.

Cheers

Mark