Microsoft Goes After ‘Tech Support’ Firms

LOS ANGELES (CN) - A fed-up Microsoft sued nine companies that allegedly tell people their computers are infected with malware, then "create security issues" on their computers and steal information from them.

Microsoft sued nine companies and two people on Dec. 18 in Federal Court, alleging trademark violations, unfair competition, false designation and other violations.

Microsoft claims the defendants offer "phony technical support services" online, and push them with "spurious" marks that are similar or identical to Microsoft trademarks.

It claims it investigated the defendants and found that "not only were these services not licensed or sponsored by Microsoft, but also that they were not even providing any services at all."

It claims that the defendants "fraudulently charge consumers for unnecessary services" to gain access to their computers, and then install "password reader programs and other malware rather than protecting the computers from such technical problems."

In other words, Microsoft says, "Defendants actually create security issues for consumers by gaining access to their computers and stealing information stored on them."

Here are the defendants:

Customer Focus Services LLC, dba Omnitech Support, dba Fixnow Tech, dba Techsupport Pro, based in Los Angeles;

C-Cubed Solutions Private Limited, an Indian company that operates Customer Focus Services (CFS) mail server;

Marc Haberman, of Los Angeles, CEO of CFS;

Rachel Eilat Haberman, Marc Haberman's wife;

Anytime Techies LLC, of Brandon, Fla., dba V Tech Supports, dba My Tech Supports, dba Windows Set Get Solution.

Microsoft seeks an injunction, damages and costs.

It is represented by Bonnie MacNaughton, with David, Wright, Tremaine.