Its not that easy to track down a node on a botnet, nor to stop them from sending spam, plus the fact that not all the spam comes from the US. Its easier to write down an IP and call up an ISP telling them to hand over the info you need or you'll sue them into the ground, than to prevent someone in Siberia from sending spam to another continent.

Or you could switch to MacOS or Linux and tell MS to screw themselves finally. As long as people keep buying their OS and allow themselves to be gouged when they demand a lesser evil, they will keep doing this kind of thing.

Spending time with said relatives can lower ones IQ, if many of the ones I've met is any indication. At least with this, you have a reason to be totally lost.