Microsoft is suing eight resellers in the US for allegedly selling counterfeit versions of their software.

The company said the prosecutions were a last resort after other attempts to stop the companies' behaviour failed. Consumers tipped off Microsoft by calling the hotline - 1-800-RU-LEGIT.

Secret shoppers were then sent out to gather evidence against the companies. The case against MicroCity4Less.com relied on evidence from consumers. The info came via Windows Genuine Advantage - an online tool for checking the bona fides of your software.

Cases have been filed in Arizona, California, Illnois, Minnesota and New York. The companies are: BWT Industry Technology Service Inc., Data Day USA Inc, MicroCity4Less.com, Winvtech Solutions Inc, Global Computing Inc, Ion Technologies of Minneapolis, Compustar Co and Chips and Tech of New York.

Read the whole press release here.®