This type of scam is widely known. You are right: The scam artist will try to gain access to your computer and do any of several things to extort money from you.

Don't bother to contact Microsoft: the caller was NOT from Microsoft, and Microsoft is already well aware of this long-running scam.

I trust when you tell your husband about this call he will know immediately that it is a scam.

Avoid this caller and any others who make similar claims.

That is exactly what they are trying to do. We got the same call last week---Cybercriminals attempting to smooth-talk their way into gaining access to your computer so they can steal your personal identifying information. If they call again, hang up and block the number.

Called my smartphone. Didn't even answer it. Thanks to those who answered this "Microsoft" call.

Not answering is my standard action for unknown/unexpected numbers. And yes, I'm on the do not call lists. Thankfully few calls to smartphone overall but getting the daily dozen on landline. Figure legitimate callers will leave a message. Not foolproof but seems 99.9% true.

Also seems to be an increase in spam calls since NBC News aired a piece on phone number spoofing apps.

The have been calling and I did not recognize the number.  I looked it up, and was called tonight.  I answered it and a man with an Indian accent told me he was from Microsoft.  I then picked up my trusty air horn and gave the phone a good long blast.

It usually takes one or two times for the telemarketers to stop calling.

he called here when I didn't give information he threatened to kill me and repeatedly said you are  fuc@ing,,dead. I laughed and hung up.