Beware of Microsoft Phone Scam

1. A Patch reader shared a warning about a scam that she received via phone dubbed the Microsoft Phone Scam hoping that fellow Patch readers won't fall vicitm to the trick.

What happened in this reader's case was that she received a phone call from a "Steven" claiming that he was from Microsoft and that her computer would crash soon because her email was receiving junk mail.

The savvy Patch reader checked out popular fact-or-fiction site Snopes.com and found that as most unsolicited calls like this, it's a scam.

Microsoft does not make unsolicited phone calls to help you fix your computer, according to Microsoft's website:

"In this scam cyber-criminals call you and claim to be from Microsoft Tech Support. They offer to help solve your computer problems. Once the crooks have gained your trust, they attempt to steal from you and damage your computer with malicious software including viruses and spyware.Although law enforcement can trace phone numbers, perpetrators often use pay phones, disposable cellular phones, or stolen cellular phone numbers. It's better to avoid being conned rather than try to repair the damage afterwards.Treat all unsolicited phone calls with skepticism. Do not provide any personal information."

If you receive this call, call the if you are in city limits or the if you live outside city limits.

2. Sarasota government's identity will be under a microscope the next several months, if it already hasn't been magnified. Monday saw the selection of a , and two charter amendments that would change the shift in power at City Hall.

Oh, and the city still has to , too. 

3. Time for a detour in north Sarasota. for repairs through Friday. Plan accordingly.

4. The expansion of is moving along, WWSB reports. In the next two months, a new pavilion should be open on the grounds, which is planning 11,000 more grave sites and 16,000 cremain sites, Rep. Vern Buchanan told ABC.

5. A Patch on the back for these Boy Scouts who are building a vegetable garden at Wilkinson Elementary. We hope that Scout Alex Ruschau earns his Eagle Scout rank from this noble project.