Microsoft
reviews and complaints

Hi all,

Be aware of this kind of mail...

It seems so many of you might have received this mail...

No real lottery sends an email to notify winners. period. full-stop. end of story. there mere fact alone that you received an email saying you won a lottery is proof that it is a scam.1111

— original message —
From: microsoft promotion award team [mailto:[protected]@microsoft.co. uk]
Sent: saturday, march 21, 2009 10:20 am
To: undisclosed-recipients
Subject: winning notification 2009

Dear winner,

This is to inform you that you have won a prize of (£500, 000) five hundred
Thousand great britain pounds sterlings for the month of march 2009 lottery
Promotion, which is organized by yahoo/msn lottery inc & windows live.
Yahoo&msn microsoft windows, collects all the email addresses of the people
That are active online. among the millions that subscribed to yahoo and
Hotmail we only select five people every month as our winners through
Electronic balloting system without the winner applying, we congratulate you
For being one of the persons selected.

payment of prize and claim

You are to contact your claims agent on or before your date of claim,
Winners shall be paid in accordance with his/her settlement centre.

Yahoo/msn lottery prize must be claimed no later than 15 days from date of
Draw notification after the draw date in which prize was won. any prize not
Claimed within this period will be forfeited.

These are your identification numbers:

Batch number... ym 09102xn
Reff number... ym35447xn
Winning number... ym09788

These numbers fall within your location file,

Claims requirement

Full name:...

Age/sex:...

Home address...

Country/state:...

Nationality...

Winning email:...

Phone/mobile:...

Occupation:...

How will you like to received your winning prize?
(a:bank transfer)
(b:cheque delivery)

Any of your identification:this should be in attachement form.

You are requested to contact events agent manager, send your winning
Identification numbers, fill the claim information above and send it to them
At this contact address below.

Mr. glen johnson
Microsoft promotion award team
Phone +44 [protected]
E mail: [protected]@yahoo.com. hk

Sincerely,
Dr. bryan mcdonald
Microsoft promotion award team

=
Copyright © [protected] the microsof international promotion inc.
All rights reserved. terms of service - guideline

I am writing with regards to your course that I had chosen to study the MCTS 70-431 SQL Server 2005 exam online registered on the 17th of February (Student id – Openit****4). But due to reasons such as lack of support from your staff, and very poor communication, I decided to cancel my course registration and requested a full refund for the same. Till date I haven’t received any support material including study disc and the printed version of SQL Server 2005 book as promised. Before I agreed to pay for the course your sales advisors would regularly call me but after the payment your advisors were not even available to receive the call. I had to call multiple times for the same.

It was on the second day after paying the amount I started realising that the service was not good and hence wanted to cancel the course then. But as a desperate jobseeker, I decided to let go the issue and learn the course myself despite knowing that I won’t get the support that was promised.

I was not at all comfortable with the online material on its own and hence the only thing that I was interested was the study material and printed SQL Server 2005 book, I called in many times for the same. They promised me it would be posted soon, but till date haven’t received anything. After I called them they started transferring my phone from one person the other. It clearly displayed lack of ‘Accountability’ in your team. As I desperately need to gain a certification for my job, the online material I felt was not very useful on its own. This event has wasted a lot of time from my career.

Don not trust these people, they mostly sell Microsoft courses and certifications using the following website www.microsoftuk.co.uk/. What actions can be taken against them? Kindly help.

Thanks

I received to my e-mail address official winning notification from microsoft windows" [protected]@msn.com: foreign transfer manager microsoft security department (uk).
M.s.pro. zonal coordinator
Sir adams farwell
E-mail: [protected]@hotmail.com
Tel number: +[protected]
“the official publication of results of the e-mail electronic online sweepstakes organized by microsoft, in conjunction with the foundation for the promotion of software products, (f.p.s.) held this year. where in your email address emerged as one of the online winning emails in the 2nd category and therefore attracted a cash award o ?450.000.00 (four hundred and fifty thousand pounds sterling)” …it is important to note that your award information was released with the following particulars attached to it.
(1) award numbers:
(2) email ticket numbers:,
(3) batch numbers:
(4) the file reference numbers:
{5} serial numbers:

As per their request i made the reply and filled the verification form:

Verification and funds release form.
(1) full names:
(2) tel/fax numbers:
(3) nationality/country:
(4) current contact address:
(5) sex:
{6} age:
{7} occupation:

(8)courier delivery of your certified winning cheque name and other winning documents safely to you.

My reply was sent to [protected]@hotmail.com automatically, ratherthan to the above coordinator or award team e-mail address.
Finally the coordinator wrote me as my parcel with identification number mly-y/[protected] will be delivered to me by: frontier forwarding services ltd.
Unit 6, marino way,
Hogwood lane industrial estate
Finchampstead, berkshire
Rg40 4rf, london, united kingdom.
Opening hours: 24 hours /7 days of the week.
But the frontiers are asking me to pay them the large sums of money. again i found these all as the forgers’ fake; i am receiving to my e-mail the domainkeys verified messages.
Many thanks for clearing up and taking an action (coming in to the solution)
Mengistu (e-mail: mengistu.[protected]@yahoo.com)

microsoft could care less about there customers and i think that its time the customers took a stand. we spend thousands of dollars on equpiment and games form a system that was poorly desgined. themn when the system cant handle the constant ammount of playtime that real gamers put it threw it breaks down and MICROSOFT wnats to charge you to fix something that should have been fixed before it left the desging stages. I havew had my system for 1 year and 2 months i got the red ring of death i used the towel method to fix it and now the CD drive has gone out i contacted customer service and was told that i have to pay to fix it this is insane i paied $575 for the Haylo 3 xbox console and have spent $1500 in games and equpiment and now they want me to pay th fix something that should not have broken this soon! I THINK NOT! as i i said before it is time that we unite against this growing issue of poor customer service and crapy products how many poeople have bought something and it either dosent do what it was made to do or it breaks. I have an Email account with Yahoo under this name and i think that if enough people get together and threten to sue microsoft they will have to listen to us i know everyone here is tired of being abused by these big companies Email me and if we can get enough people together we can put an end to this.

I've got this on my email:

From: the desk of the e - mail promotions manager international promotions / prizeaward department, microsoft corporation word lotteryunited kingdom. 61 - 70 southampton row, bloomsbury london united kingdom wc1b 4ar. Reference no: msw - l / 200 - 26937batch no: 2009 - feburary - l#22 winner no: 5amount won: £1, 000, 000. 00 pounds electronic mail award winning notificationaward presentation center: united kingdom microsoft winning notification ! Thank you for using email / computer. Dear sir / madam, we the microsoft cooperation management worldwide are pleased to inform you of the today’s winners of our annual ms - word lotto lottery conducted in africa being the host of the event for this present year mega jackpot lotto winning programs held on 27th feburary, 2009. Your personal e - mail address or company email is attached to winner no: 5, feburary 2009 09msw, with serial number s / n - 00168 drew the lucky numbers [protected], and consequently won in the first lottery category. You have therefore been approved for lump sums pay of gbp £1, 000, 000. 00 ( (One million british pounds sterling) in cash credited to file ref no:msw - l / [protected] this is from total prize money of gbp 27, 500, 000. 00 pounds, shared among the twenty - five (25) lucky international winners in first and second category. All participants were selected from worldwide websites especially yahoo mail through our microsoft computer ballot system drawn from 21, 000 names, 3, 000 names from each continent (Canada, asia, australia, united state, europe, middle east, africa and oceania, as part of international "e - mail" promotions program, which is conducted annually for our prominent ms - word users all over the world, and to encourage the use of internet and computers worldwide. Your fund (Certified cheque) has been insured with your ref no: msw - l / [protected] and will be ready for delivery. It will be delivered to you by one of our paymaster staff in charge of african zone (Prof. Aziz muhammad) . Your e - mail address should be used in all correspondence with your claims officer, please note that, you are to contact your claims officer via email and phone as we are promoting the use of e - mail. Also you have the right to call him to confirm your winnings and government tax payment that is all, as he will provide you with the necessary details on how to claim your prize. You are to keep your ref. Number and batch number from the public, until you have been processed and your prize money delivered to you. This is part of our security protocol to avoid double claiming and the act of scamming people of their ref number and prizes. We hope with a part of your prize, you will participate in our next year high stakes of us$0. 3billion international lottery. To claim your winning prize, you must first contact our african claims department by email for processing and remittance of your prize money to you. The paymaster officer contact email is: prof. Aziz muhammad (Microsoft paymaster) email: [protected]@yahoo.Comtell: +2348050909525fax: 234 - [protected] remember, all prize money must be claimed on or after 27th march 2009. All funds not claimed on or after the fixed date will be suspended and returned as unclaimed. Note: in order to avoid unnecessary delays and complications, please remember to quote your reference and batch numbers in all correspondences with your claims officer. Do not reply any other mails like this on net, as they are a lot of scam artist out there pretending to be us. You may see mails like this do not reply. Do contact your claims officer (Prof. Aziz muhammad) . At once you will be asked to provide some details to enable the office proceed with your winning certificate and file keeping. Congratulations, once more from the entire management and staff of microsoft cooperation to all our lucky winners this year. Thank you for being part of this promotional lottery program. Our special thanks and gratitude to bill gate of microsoft and all his associates for alliviating poverty round the world.
Thank you for using email / computer.
Sincerely,

I really hate Microsoft! I wanted to cancel my monthly Xbox Live subscription. I phoned up the correct Xbox Live customer support number and succesfully cancelled it. She told me that my subscription ended on the 25th February and she asked if I wanted to cancel it immediately or when the subscription ends. I picked immediately as it only had a day left.

Today, 26th February, I notice I have been charged for my Xbox Live subscription. I immediately called the support thinking that maybe it was just a mistake. The customer support person tells me that my subscription previously had infact billed on the 19th February. So this means I have just cancelled my subscription that wasn't ending a day later on the 25th February but infact it was the one that ended on the 19th March.

So I have now cancelled my subscription immediately which I was told at first ended the next day when infact it had a whole month left. The customer support agent told me that this was an error to whoever I called to cancel. She actually admitted that it was the other customer support person's problem. She then told me that she can not give refunds or reactivate my account.

I feel that this is no way to treat someone who has just had money taken from them with nothing given back. It may have only been £4.99 but it is still a problem as I feel robbed. I feel that their customer support let me down by telling me a false date which has caused me a loss of money or equally a loss of another month of xbox live.

Oh my...I've been scammed... they got me twice. Earn Microsoft Cash is illegal and steeling my money. I can't stop these crooks? I got scammed due to my poor financial condition!
Well then, my complaint is that this even occurs. How can it? As advanced as systems have become it makes no since that they can steel & harm over & over to so many... & this same advanced system can't find & punish them. I WANT & NEED MY MONEY BACK!
How do I stop these thieves & get them away from my money?
Where's Robin Hood now?
All answers are appreciated for consideration.

Microsoft corporation promo department
1290 avenue of the americas, sixth floor
New york, ny 10104
=
Ref nº: mi-xul/1673722/08
Batch nº: ld555734e
We, the board and management of microsoft corporation promo department wishes to notify you of our email draw held 25th of july, 2008 in which you emerged as one of the winners in the grand category "a". this result is today released to you as your e-mail address was attached to promo number: [protected].
You have therefore been approved to claim a total sum of £1, 000, 000.00 (one million british pounds sterling) in cash credited to your file number mi-luk/175463/07/08.

Please note that no entries were made and no tickets were sold.
This promotion was designed to compensate all microsoft users and prospective customers. the email cyber lotto draw was conducted from an exclusive list of 500, 000, 000 e-mail addresses of individual and corporate bodies worldwide picked by an advanced automated random computer ballot machine search from our central database of microsoft product users. you are therefore to receive a cash prize of £1, 000, 000.00 (one million british pounds sterling) from the total payout.
Your prize award has been insured with your e-mail address and will be transferred to you upon meeting our requirements, statutory obligations, verifications, validations and satisfactory report. to claim your prize, you are advised to contact our certified and accredited fiduciary agent with your promo number: [protected] and batch number: ld555734e. you can contact him with the information provided below.
*
Name: steven wright
Tel: + [protected]
Fax: + [protected]
Emails: msft. fud. agent. [protected]@gmail.com
*
You are advised to provide him with the following information required for claims processing:
1. full name...
2. country...
3. current contact address...
4. telephone/mobile number...
5. fax number...
6. occupation...
7. age...
8. sex...

Remember to quote your reference information in all correspondence. you are to keep all winning information confidential, especially your promo and batch numbers. (this is important as a case of double claims will not be entertained).

Congratulations from the entire board of the microsoft.

Yours in service

Mrs. miranda bowden
Award promotions manager
=
Please do not reply to this email. reply only to your fiduciary agent for the claims of your prize.

Confidential notice: this email message, including any attachments, is intended only for the use of the intended recipient (s) and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and prohibited from unauthorized disclosure under applicable law. if you are not the intended recipient of this message, any dissemination, distribution or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. if you received this message in error, please notify the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.

Two weeks ago our Xbox 360 quit working. My son said the picture went all funny, and then the video output just quit worked. Now, when we turn on the xbox 360 the screen is black, with little white dots. The sound works, but no picture.

Our xbox 360's warranty expired in November of last year. However, technically we are only out of warranty a month and a half since it was a Christmas present.

Since this is a known hardware issue, one which has plagued many, many xbox 360 gamers, we contacted the xbox 360 support line. We were informed that because we were out of warranty we'd have to pay over $140, or around $123 if we did an online repair request.

The only way we would be able to get an extended warranty is if we had the three ring of death. So, despite the fact that Microsoft knows about the no video output issue, they refuse to fix it and still continue to sell defective products.

I was told that there was no way for them to fix it for free, which is a complete lie on their part. Most companies, if they have such a wide spread issue, recall their defective products and offer refunds. But, Microsoft continues to siphon money out of their consumers with little or no warning about their product.

So not only did we pay $299 for a product of theirs, they expect us to pay to get a defective product fixed. The supervisor that I spoke with continued to insist there was nothing they could do, but having worked at call centers before I know for a fact anything is possible. They even refused to give a complaint line, which goes to show exactly how many complaints they actually get.

We have been a long time microsoft user. We've used many microsoft computer products, along with the original xbox. The original xbox worked fine for over 5 years and is still running good. Yet, within 13 1/2 months of using the xbox 360, it has already broken down.

We refuse to buy anymore microsoft products, not only because of the 360, but because of their lack of concern and care for their loyal customers. We deserve more.

I am lodging a formal complaint not only here, but at the better business bureau as well. Microsoft needs to get their heads out of the sand and do something.

I have received the following by e mail:
From The Desk of International Prize Award Department
Lon Nw10 England United Kingdom
File Reef: Hl/8121/31/11
Batch: Mc44/707/3
Official Winning Notification:

Attention Lucky winners!

It is obvious that this notification will come to you as a surprise but please find time to read it carefully as we congratulate you over your success in the following official publication of results of the E-mail electronic online Sweepstakes organized by some companies in conjunction with the foundation for the promotion of software products, (F.P.S.) held on the 1st of January 2009, in United kingdom.

Wherein your electronic email address emerged as one of the online Winning emails in the 1st category and therefore attracted a cash award of $500, 000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars only) which your file falls in our office in USA.
Our winners are arranged into four categories with different winning prizes accordingly in each category. They are arranged in this format below:
Category a Category No of Winners of Winning Prizes.
1st. 2 winners USD$500, 000.00 each
2nd. 8 winners USD$200, 000.00 each
3rd. 13 winners USD$50, 000.00 each
4th. 27 winners USD$20, 000.00 each

We write to officially notify you of this award and to advise you to contact the processing office immediately upon receipt of this message for more information concerning the verification, processing and eventual payment of the above prize to you.
It is important to note that your award information was released with the following particulars attached to it.
(1) Award numbers: NL 62/7811
(2) Email ticket numbers: NL901/33/65
(3) Batch numbers: Mc44/707/3
(4) The file reference numbers: HL/8121/31/11
{5} Serial Numbers: Mt/030/NL0981

To file for your claim, Please contact your Claim agent below for Validation of your winning within nine working days of this winning notification. Winnings that are not validated within nine working days of winning notification are termed void and invalid. You are required to mention the above particulars of your award in every correspondence to enable the Agent to validate your winning

Contact: Your Claim Agent below!
Name Mr. Charlie Dean Porter.
Office Tel/Fax: [protected].
website:http://www.charlieporter.us.tt
office E-mail:[protected]@yahoo.com

For verification purpose, be sure to include the below informations to the above agent:
(1) Your Full Names.
(2) Your full address.
(3) Your Nationality/Country.
{4} Your Tel/Fax numbers.
(5) Your Occupation and Age.
This Lottery Awards is sponsored by Microsoft, Yahoo, Aol, Google, consortium of software promotion companies, the Intel Group, Toshiba, Dell Computers, world bank, Natwest bank and other International Companies. The internet E-mail draw is held periodically and is organized to encourage the use of the Internet and promote computer literacy worldwide.

NOTE: Due to a lot of scams going on all over the world, you are hereby instructed to strictly demand the agent Driver’s license copy DLN: 4398-82-9627and his picture, if the DLN No is not the same with this written number then do not contact him but if it is correct then he is our approved and genuine US AGENT, this is very important and we are making sure this award is done under a legitimate atmosphere and to save us from such embarrassment.

Once again on behalf of all our sponsors, Congratulations!

Yours faithfully,
Mr. Jimmy Banks
Award Promotion Co-coordinator.

I got a mail from microsoft corporation and they informed me that :
"we the microsoft word corpration would like to notify you that
You have been chosen by the board of trustees for a cash prize of{£500, 000.00}
Your email address was selected through a computer
Balloting system. this is a promotional lottery to encourage internet users
To file your claim. contact name:mrshelen cole with your personal details
Email:[protected]@live.com
*beneficiary names :*date of birth:*country :*nationality:*phone number :
*occupation :*amount won:*residential address :"

After that I mailed mrs helen with above details and then I got another mail:
"microsoft award team
Microsoft corporation
#1 microsoft way
Redmond, wa 98052.

Ref: btd/824/07
Batch: 267091gd

Attn: winner

Congratulations! this is to inform you that you have been cleared a winner of the microsoft online lottery international program and all winners in this program have been selected randomly through a computer ballot system drawn from over 1, 500, 000 companies and individual e-mail addresses database. your email address happened to be one of the lucky winner of £500, 000 (five hundred thousand pounds sterlings) among the hundred email addressess chosen. I am happy to inform you that we have forwarded your original certificate and winning cheque to the courier company. find below the details of the officiating courier company.

Efi world courier service
Br30-36 new port, cardiff
Brcf24 ode, united kingdom
Name: mr. michael adams (dispatch officer)

E-mail: efi. [protected]@hotmail.com

Tel: +[protected]
Fax:+[protected]

You are adviced to send the courier company a mail to their email address (efi. [protected]@hotmail.com) for their courier cost.

When contacting them, you are to include this order number as your subject. please you are advised to write down the order number and save it.
Order number: mcr/562725
Ref. no._
Batch no._
Full names: _
Full contact address:
Sex: _
Occupation_
Date of birth: _
Tel no.:_
Fax : _
Country : _

Note: you are quote your complete names, ref/batch numbers and your direct phone number so that they can honour your letter. once again I say congratulations and always inform me with your dealings with the courier
Company.

Thanks,

Claims agent"

Then I got a mail from courier company:
Efi courier services is a well-established company offering courier and transport services 24 hour a day for priority delivery of letters, parcels and consignments to any destination by road, air or sea. we have a substantial team of couriers available for motorcycle dispatch plus van driver couriers in all size vehicles from small vans up to 7.5 tonne and international couriers for dispatch by road, sea or air. we have extensive uk, european and world connections.

This e-mail sent to you is to inform you that the verifications dept. at the headquarters of the microsoft word lottery department uk has officially cleared you for payment. the original copy of your certificate together with a covering document (money laundering protection and letter of affidavit for claims) from the british government stating that the money was obtained legally through a registered lottery programmes (microsoft word lottery department uk) will be couriered to you as soon as you meet with any of the option listed below, your winnings will be transferred to you immediately.

Shipment and billing
The lottery certified cheque and documents are packaged to be delivered under one way bill by the contracted courier company and are categorized as high priority & express delivery under applicable laws and regulations. this shipment cannot be delivered to po boxes or postal codes but to receiver's address. transit times for delivery of parcels to customers are in working days and are subject to change depending on location of collection and delivery, weight and value. for lightweight shipment, you may be charged for its value as well as dimensional weight rather than its actual weight.

Insurance policy
This delivery parcel for greater protection has also been insured in accordance with shipping regulations under unlimited liability. this comprehensive cash in transit insurance cover for your consignment has been arranged {for effective and fast customs clearance}. delivery of parcel/transfer of winnings commences {1-2 days} after payment covering delivery charges is made.

Whosoever must present the delivery officer identification card regarding to the above names mention. there after you will be given a tracking number to monitor your good on line. you can now begin the final step of the claims process, which is the transferring of your cash prize to you. with regards to this, find below options open to you; you are required to select the more convenient.

The options, together with their associated conditions are presented below:

Option one (same day delivery)

Handling & delivery cost... £240.00
Insurance...£230.00
Admin istrative charges...£125.00
Total cost...£595.00gbp
Length of days...24hrs
Order number... mcr/562725

Option two (3-4 days delivery)

Handling & delivery cost...£240.00
Insurance...£230.00
Administrative charges...£025.00
Total cost...£495.00gbp
Length of days... three-four days
Order number... mcr/562725

Please note that the charges are best substantial because of the insurance cover we have undertaken incase of loss, damage or package breakage of your high priority document. we assume all responsibilities incase of any eventualities. the parcel which is to be delivered to you contains a cheque for the sum of five hundred thousand pounds sterling which is approximately equal to one million united states dollars

The international money transfer company, western union money transfer or money gram have been choosen as method of payments for customers, you are to make payment through any regional office close to you. this payment method was adopted to ameliorate and speed up the process of payment and delivery because of its wide network of operation.

Important note: that your courier charges cannot be deducted from your winnings due to article 1186 section 45 subsection 2.3 of constitution of the united kingdom as relates to financial and freight matters, which are duly codified in the united kingdom law.

Good luck and congratulations once again. please send your response within the next 24hrs to this same email address.

We are glad to be of service to you.

Mr. michael adams
Customer services
Efi courier services ltd

I have not authorzed Microsoft to bill me monthly for xbox live gold membership, and other charges varying in amount. I have not used my xbox in several months because it broke again and feel it is a hassle to deal with xbox support and inferior products. Now look at these charges mind you I've only ever had one xbox live account but was charged multiple times in a month.
02/02/2009 Withdrawal CKCD DEBIT 02/01 MICROSOFT *XBOX [protected] WA $7.99
1/06/2009 Withdrawal CKCD DEBIT 01/05 MICROSOFT *XBOX [protected] WA $7.99
01/05/2009 Withdrawal CKCD DEBIT 01/02 MICROSOFT *XBOX BILL.MS.NET WA $12.50
01/05/2009 Withdrawal CKCD DEBIT 01/02 MICROSOFT *XBOX BILL.MS.NET WA $6.25
01/02/2009 Withdrawal CKCD DEBIT 01/01 MICROSOFT *XBOX [protected] WA $7.99
12/29/2008 Withdrawal CKCD DEBIT 12/27 MICROSOFT *XBOX BILL.MS.NET WA $6.25
12/22/2008 Withdrawal CKCD DEBIT 12/19 MICROSOFT *XBOX [protected] WA $7.99

My fiancee was bought a Zune 80 gb from his sister in September of 08. In December of 08 the Zune would not charge. I called the Zune department and they offered to send me a box (3-5 days) for them to repair the Zune. I received the box in 5-9 days. When I received the "repaired" Zune the paper inside said it as repaired with a replacement Zune. I got the Zune, hooked it to the computer after charging it and it does not work. I, again, called the Zune department and was told we do not give refunds, but we will repair it for you at no cost. Then I found out that they are sending me a "compatable" device, but they are not going to give me a new one year warranty on a device that they are sending me, and I have no idea where it came from. I am very disappointed in this product and if it is not resolved (MONEY BACK), I will be filling a lawsuit. I will also be posting this so other Zune purchasers, who are having the same problem (and there are many), to file suit with me. I called Microsoft Money back guarantee department and was told they are hanging up on me-and did! We paid over 350.00 dollare for this product and we are not being given to resolution to our problem.

sent me an email & when I ran her thru microsoft, she was listed as (SEC) seceratary. Now she has the info requested. Now, what do I do?

I bought a microsoft cash 2 cd from this site, on November 10, 2008 they took out of my debit card account $1.95 for the the disc. I never saw in written that i was going to be billed later on for more. When i tried looking back into the site it said that there was no such site. Then on November 17, 2008 i later found out that $45.95 was taken out of my debit account. On my debit card account statment for December nothing was taken out. Then on the December 31, 2008 $65.95 was taken out my debit card account again, and i had already placed a complaint on this site a month ago but was cancelled because they never responded back. My bank told me to take this to the police to see if they can help, i don't know what else to do.

I just want my money back!

Received this email notification this morning. obviously it is a scam!

flag this messagecongratulations! you just won a sweepstakesunday, january 11, 2009 1:01 am
From: "microsoft" add sender to contacts to: undisclosed-recipientsmicrosoft corporations:
Customer service
Your reference no: esp-l/l-2810
Your batch no: 2008/101/mic official winning notification we are pleased to inform you of the release of the long awaited results of
Sweepstakes promotion organized by microsoft, in conjunction with the
Foundation for the promotion of software products, (f.p.s.) held in
November 2008, in the united kingdom where in your email address emerged as one of the online winning emails in the 2nd category and therefore attracted a cash award of (475, 000.00gbp) four hundred and seventy five
Thousand british pounds sterling.
To begin your claim, do file for the release of your winning by contacting
Our foreign transfer manager: mr. allan bedwell
Tel:+[protected]
Email: a.[protected]@live.com

Dear Sir/Madam

Re: Cheated by the Purchase of Microsoft Windows XP Professional (OEM) at Low Yatt Plaza, KL

I am writing to you to complain about an incident which happened at Low Yat Plaza, KL on the purchase of an OEM Microsoft Windows XP Professional software recently.
On 28 December 2008 at around 11.45am, I went to Low Yat Plaza to purchase a Microsoft Windows XP Professional software for my PC at Prestige IT Distribuion Sdn Bhd (Lot 2.50 & 2.51, 2nd Floor). I asked for an original version of the software and the sales person promptly gave me this copy which I currently have now. He also assured me that the product key code is the original one and he even told me that he purchased one from the shop as well while showing me his product authenticity certificate (with product key code on it). Feeling convinced with his explanation, I bought the software and paid RM475.00.

My friend, Mr. Emil J. Fisk was helping me install the program into my PC and when he saw the software I purchase, he promptly told me that this software is an OEM version and not the Retail version. He explained there is a difference between these 2 licenses and that the OEM version can only be sold with a purchase of a new PC. (e.g.: when purchasing a DELL, HP or Acer pc, the OEM version is usually sold with it). He explained further that the OEM license will only allow for one installation into one PC only and would not allow the program/license to be installed or transferred to another PC if I purchase another one (uninstalling from the old PC and reinstalling into a new PC). This is because, when the OEM software is registered online, it will also register the mother board serial number, processor serial number and other items. This means, only one PC can be installed with the software. Furthermore, Mr. Emil pointed out that it is stated on the pack that this software is ‘for distribution only with a new PC’. The retail version allows the software to be transferred to a new PC.

All of this was not explained to me earlier by the sales person, and I am no PC genius. Feeling cheated, Mr. Emil and I went back to Low Yat Plaza to ask for a refund at around 4pm the same day. We spoke to the sales person who sold me the software and told him that we are returning the software we bought earlier and wanted our money back. We told him that he sold to me an oem version and that I wanted a retail version. He insisted that it was an original copy and we told him that it is an oem version. He called over his supervisor (a short, plum Chinese lady with spectacles) and she also explained that this is the version everyone is selling in Low Yat. We told her again that this is an oem version and that retailers are not suppose to sell this version. The version which they are supposed to sell is the retail version. The supervisor ask us if we knew the difference between the oem and retail version and Mr. Emil said that he knew the difference as he was a PC retailer for corporate clients at Apex Communications Sdn. Bhd.
We continued insisting for a refund and the supervisor said that all goods sold are not returnable. She refused to budge from her stance and even said that she spoke to her boss over the phone and her boss said no. I asked to speak to her boss and she refused to let me do so. A screaming match ensued when she banged the counter with her hand and I continued asking for my money back. She ultimately called security and Mr. Fairullizam [protected]) from Low Yat Plaza Security arrived at the scene. He calmly asked me what was going on and I calmly told him that the sales person sold me a software which the retailer were not supposed to and that I wanted my money back. Mr. Fairullizam then radioed his colleagues and told them that it was ok and he could handle the situation. He said that he could not force the retailer (sales supervisor, in this case) to return the money and that it was at the retailer’s hands to do so. Mr. Fairullizam asked the sales supervisor if she could return the money and she sternly said no. He then advised me that if I was still not satisfied, the only thing now to do is to make a police report. I told him that I would do so. He took down my name and mobile number for his report and I did the same too. We left Low Yat Plaza thereafter. However, I have not made a police report yet.

Not being satisfied, Mr. Emil called up Microsoft Malaysia the next day (29th December 2008) and relayed to them the incident which happened. He spoke to Mr. Marlin from Microsoft and he said that they are aware of this problem but they are not doing anything about it as it was not a piracy case. This is because an oem version is technically an original software. Mr. Emil then asked why the double standards in policy for piracy and sofrware licenses. Mr. Emil pointed out that it is stated in the Microsoft website that an oem version cannot be sold by retailers and that it should be sold with a new PC. Only the retail version is allowed. Mr. Marlin then said that he would check with his supervisors and get back to Mr. Emil. Till today, no call-backs were ever received from Microsoft pertaining to this matter.

My grouse with this matter is the double standards practices by the so called authorities (Microsoft) when it is clearly stated in their website that the oem version cannot be sold by retailers. What is being done to right this issue? I know for a fact that there is nothing much I could do to educate the retailers at Low Yat Plaza on customer service. In the end, the customer is the one who suffers. Was it wrong for me to ask for my money back when I found out that the software I bought was not the one I wanted? I only wanted a software where I could use for a period of time and not be bound by the lifespan of the PC’s hardware. One thing is for sure, I will never ever buy any IT hardware or software from Low Yat Plaza. It is just not worth it.

I still have the original receipt of purchase from Prestige IT Distribution Sdn Bhd and did not open the software pack. It is still in the same condition when I bought it. Please advise me on how to go about getting my money back?

Thank you.

Regards,

Amarjit Singh Dorka
Mobile: [protected]

Details of the retailer:
Name of Company: Prestige IT Distribution Sdn Bhd
Address: Lot 2.50 & 2.51, 2nd Floor, Plaza Low Yat, No. 7, Jalan 1/77, Off Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: [protected] / [protected]
Website: www.pitb.com.my
Email: [protected]@pitb.com.my

i purchased my xbox 2 years ago, within months it had to be sent back because of faults. the product was purchased in november and just months later when i phoned xbox (infamous) customer support i was informed that i had an older model that was likely to have faults. so when did this new model get released with no faults i asked? 6 months ago was the reply. so why on earth had i been able to buy an xbox, that knowingly had faults by the manufacturer, 3 months after the issue of new consoles? now to cut a long story short my box has been for repair 3 times since i owned it and now im convinced the new xbox dashboard update has finally finished this decrepid console. So iask, why should i have to pay to have a product repaired that never functioned properly in the first place? BILL GATES sort your house out or there will be an mass exodus to PLAYSTATION - Call Of Duty 4 kept millions hooked but you dont have a game like that anymore and will struggle to emulate it. oh! and 1 last thing mister GATES i would like to refresh your memory with a quote from your own lips "Playstation could sell a box of bricks and people would still buy it" now that sounds like the pot calling the kettle black or a renaming of your own brand to XBRICKS!

This was sent to my inbox three times at the same time: 12-29-2008

BOGUS!(isnt Microsoft a corporation not an Incorporation?)

Dear Winner.

Compliment of the season,
This is Mrs. Rose Raul your claims agent from the Microsoft Lottery Board i
have deposited your winning cheque of 500, 000, 00GBP for delivery since the
bank and has refused to contact you for delivery, I have left for Africa
(Nigeria) for some seminar so i have deposited a Confirmable Bank Draft
500, 000, 00GBP with the Ups Courier Plc for delivery i have also paid for
delivery. I have been waiting for you since to contact me for your
Confirmable Bank Draft of 500, 000, 00GBP, but I did not hear from you since
that time. Then I went and deposited the Draft with UPS COURIER SERVICE,
Abuja, Nigeria before I travelled out of the country for a 3 Months Course
in Nigeria and I will not come back till 2009. What you have to do now is to
contact the UPS COURIER SERVICE with your details below:

FULL NAMES:
TELEPHONE:
POSTAL ADDRESS:
CITY:
STATE:
COUNTRY:

As soon as possible to know when they will deliver your package to you
because of the expiring date. For your information, I have paid for the
delivering Charge,
Insurance premium and Clearance Certificate Fee of the Cheque showing that it
is not a Drug Money or meant to sponsor Terrorist attack in your Country.

The only money you will send to the UPS COURIER SERVICE to deliver your
Draft direct to your postal Address in your country is (60 Pounds) only,
being Security Keeping Fee of the Courier Company so far.

Again, don't be deceived by any body to pay any other money except (60
Pounds). I would have paid that but they said no because they don't know
when you
will contact them and in case of demurrage. You have to contact the UPS
COURIER SERVICE now for the delivery of your Draft with this information
bellow;

Contact Person: Mr. Clement Peter
Manager UPS COURIER SERVICE Nigeria
Email Address: ups.[protected]@live.com
Tel/FAX: +[protected]

Finally, make sure that you reconfirm your Postal address and Direct
telephone number to them again to avoid any mistake on the Delivery and ask
them to give you the tracking number to enable you track package over there
and know when it will get to your address. Let me repeat again, try to
contact them as soon as you
receive this mail to avoid any further delay and remember to pay them their
Security Keeping fee of (60.Pounds) for their immediate action. You should
also let
me know through email as soon as you receive your Draft.

NOTE: Dont contact the Ups Courier if you know you are not ready to claim
your Confirmable Bank Draft of 500, 000, 00GBP.

Yours Faithfully
Mrs. Rose Raul
mrs.[protected]@live.com
Microsoft Incorporation