DEAR SUN SPOTS: This morning at 8:23, I got a call from a man who claimed to be from Microsoft saying that there were some things on my computer that were shut down and that he was going to help me restart them.

Although this call sounded like it was coming from an Indian call center, I was suspicious of anybody claiming to be from Microsoft calling anyone in Maine at 8:23 a.m. I was about to make the bed, so I just honestly told the man that I wasn’t downstairs and the computer hadn’t even been turned on.

He sounded adamant as he told me, “This will only take about five minutes. Go turn your computer on.” This raised my suspicions even more, so I simply said, “Now’s not a good time.” He asked, “When would be a good time to call back?” I said, “6.” He said, “6. Thank you,” and he hung up.

Less than 50 minutes later, at 9:11 a.m., I got another call, different guy, same accent, same spiel. I told him not to call here again and hung up. It’ll be interesting to see if they call back at 6.

I don’t know, sounds like a scam to me, like they want to hack my computer. Their phone number came up as Unknown Name 011-800-8008. “011” is a generic international call prefix for North American Numbering Plan Administration countries.

I acknowledge that reputable companies do use international call centers, but this whole thing came off as totally bogus. So scam or no scam? If it is a scam, then an alert should be put out, right? Thanks. — No Name, Rumford

ANSWER: Scam. Microsoft does not call customers and tell them to turn on their computers. If there was a legitimate problem, you’d be informed much more professionally, by email or even possibly by snail mail.

Sun Spots hereby alerts her readers to be wary of any unsolicited phone calls. At best you will be urged to buy something. At worst you’ll be cheated.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I saw your response in the Aug. 4 column about St. Mary’s METGO (medical equipment lending) program. We appreciate the promotion, but we are no longer providing this service. We are referring people to the following local agency that offers a similar program:

Gaarad Dees, Global Home Care Services, 145 Lisbon St., Suite 503, Lewiston ME 04240, 207-376-3060

Thank you. — Jennifer Radel, community relations manager, St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, Lewiston, [email protected]

DEAR SUN SPOTS Do you know what happened to G.M. Pollack’s jewelry store at the Lewiston Mall? When did it leave? Did it move to another mall in L-A? I checked their site but didn’t learn anything helpful. Thank you. — No Name via email

ANSWER: All that Sun Spots could find out was that they closed recently, probably July. Corporations usually don’t like to publicize closings and no reason was offered. The poor economy was probably a factor.

The G.M. Pollack stores in Augusta (Turnpike Mall, 20 Whitten Road, 622-1632), Topsham (11 Winner’s Circle, 729-1671) and Portland (Maine Mall, 773-2901) are still open.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am a senior citizen looking for an eight-foot wooden picnic table that is not all rotten. I have one I converted for a table-top garden, and it works very well. If anyone has one to give, please contact me. — No Name, Auburn

ANSWER: Sun Spots withheld No Name’s contact information because individuals are not allowed to ask for freebies. Only charities can ask for free items. Readers seeking items must offer to pay something, even if ultimately the amount is minimal.

If readers have an old picnic table they wish to sell, they can write the column and include their phone number so No Name can call them and negotiate a price he’s willing to pay.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Now I know why I haven’t heard from anyone in response to my July 18 request for prayer beads. I neglected to put my name and address in the letter. I am so sorry about my error. Thank you all so much for sending any rosary beads you no longer use. — Eva B. Pache, 22 Franklin St., Rumford, ME 04276, 364-3997

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to [email protected].