What to do about a computer business that knowingly installs counterfeit software on several clients computers
February 1, 2010 3:13 PM   Subscribe

A local computer repair store has contracts with several local businesses to provide tech support. It was discovered that they have installed illegal software (hacked/downloaded copies of Windows and other Microsoft software) and charged for the full price of the software.

They have provided terrible tech support, to begin with. They are apparently arrogant, unhelpful, and now it turns out that they are thieves.
I think they need to be shut down. Who should be notified when counterfeit (or hacked, or downloaded) software is being knowingly installed on business computers?
They are knowingly committing fraud and are endangering any business whose computer they install counterfeit software on, and they need to be stopped, but I don't know who to contact first.

Any advice?
posted by newfers to Law & Government (15 answers total)
 
Where are you located?
posted by dfriedman at 3:14 PM on February 1, 2010




Microsoft eats up stuff like that. For a long time you could earn a cash bonus for turning someone in. Rest assured, they will act on your report with blinding and terrifying speed. It's something I'd only wish on someone who REALLY deserved it - like it sounds these guys do!
posted by ErikaB at 3:21 PM on February 1, 2010 [1 favorite]


Response by poster: Located in southeastern Ohio. The BBB is a great suggestion, it hadn't occurred to me, oddly enough. The MS Piracy reporting link is a good start also - I had checked it out earlier, but it seemed to exist mainly to report personal software that individuals might have doubts about. Nonetheless, I suspect we'll use both methods.
posted by newfers at 3:23 PM on February 1, 2010


Best answer: The Business Software Alliance would do a Snoopy happy dance getting a tip call like this, and you might make yourself a nice buck as a reward, to boot.
posted by deadmessenger at 3:25 PM on February 1, 2010 [1 favorite]


The Business Software Alliance does anti-piracy stuff. BSA. Their piracy reporting form.
posted by GuyZero at 3:26 PM on February 1, 2010


Ohio State Attorney General's office.
posted by dfriedman at 3:27 PM on February 1, 2010


Response by poster: I like the idea of a "Snoopy happy dance" being involved :)
posted by newfers at 3:34 PM on February 1, 2010


Best answer: The BBB, IMHO, is probably not the way to go. From what I've seen, they are too cozy with local businesses. Instead, go straight to the source.

To second ErikaB, you absolutely need to call Microsoft. A scummy company in my hometown was absolutely destroyed by Microsoft after someone reported them.

1-800-RU-LEGIT. You will be shocked how fast a big company like Microsoft reacts to business software piracy.
posted by OwenMarshall at 3:37 PM on February 1, 2010


The BSA, as posted above is probably the way to go here, they'll descend on the company with the fury of an angry god.
posted by jjb at 5:17 PM on February 1, 2010 [1 favorite]


Yelp!
posted by k8t at 5:33 PM on February 1, 2010


Response by poster: Funnily enough, these tech geniuses have had their website taken down by a hacker... when you go to their webpage, it says "by Thehacker - 0wn3d"

I suspect things will only be getting worse for these jokers :)
posted by newfers at 6:05 PM on February 1, 2010


Yeah, the BBB is more like a protection racket for business that pay their membership dues. And the first thing they'd do here is contact the business for a "response", thereby showing your hand and giving them a chance to hide their evidence. That won't help.

You want the horrific BSA on this one. It's a private headhunting coalition, and a horrible thing to deal with if you're not guilty of anything... but since it sounds like these folks deserve it.

Beyond that... the FBI has a tip line too.
posted by rokusan at 7:16 PM on February 1, 2010


Please DON'T call the Business Software Alliance or Microsoft until you've carefully considered the full consequences of your actions.

Some background:

Business Software Alliance Dirty Tricks Update

After 20 Years, Critics Question the BSA`s Real Motives

Network World Highlights BSA's Dirty Extortion Tricks | Techdirt

Newsmaker: Rockin' on without Microsoft

Please ask yourself:

Once the BSA is finished ripping apart the dirty computer repair store, who will they audit next?

Each and every local business that ever had a contract with that computer repair store can expect a loud knock on the door.

Is this the kind of grief you want visited upon the small businesses in your area?

In my opinion, inviting the BSA to take care of a dirty computer repair shop is like inviting wolves into your home to deal with a rat. Why risk using wolves when there are safer, more professional extermination options?

The FBI has clear motives and uses legal methods. I think the bureau is a much better choice...

...but, IANAL so please talk to your lawyer and weigh your legal options carefully. Your actions may have far reaching consequences for your entire community.
posted by stringbean at 1:20 AM on February 2, 2010 [1 favorite]


Response by poster: Well, problem solved - someone else beat me to it, and contacted the authorities (not sure which authorities!). So we'll see what happens from here, I guess. These guys had made a lot of enemies...
posted by newfers at 5:51 PM on February 2, 2010


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