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Entry bubble Scareware Scams

By: Colleen | December 17, 2008 | Category: Money

online scamIf you're anything like me, you've been doing your best to avoid any retail places during the holiday season. I'd love to shake the hand of whoever invented online shopping!

As always though, "buyer beware!" Scams and frauds are all over the internet, particularly during the "most wonderful time of the year."

The latest one preys on people actually trying to protect their computers. This "scareware" scheme comes in the form of a pop-up that appears on your screen while you have a web browser open. It might say something like, "Beware! Your computer has been infected!" Or, "Malicious software has been detected!" When you click on the pop-up, you will get an offer to buy software like "Winfixer" or "ErrorSafe" that claims to protect your computer from viruses. These different softwares will cost you around $30-40 and are totally bogus. They will tell you your problems have been fixed, when in reality, there was nothing to fix in the first place. But your wallet will be a tad lighter.

Over a million people have been duped by this type of fraud. The FTC has pushed for a court order to be signed to try and halt the broad-reaching scheme.

To best protect your computer:

  • Make sure you have legitimate anti-virus, anti-spyware, and firewall software.
  • If you get one of these pop-ups claiming you have a virus, close the whole browser. Do not click the link, or even the "x" box at the top.
  • Use the control/alt/delete function if your browser won't respond to your exit.

If you've been scammed by "spyware" you can report it at www.ftc.gov, or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP. For information on dealing with other types of scams and frauds, check out the Pueblo scam site.

| View Comments [5] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: colleen   fraud   internet   online   scam   scareware  

Comments (5):

blue comment bubble Posted by Older and Wiser now.... on December 17, 2008 at 07:44 AM EST

Thank you for writing about this Colleen. I recently got duped and clicked on one of those popups accidently which ended up installing a virus known as Virantix.C on my computer. This virus disables your antivirus software and gives you false error messages. In a panic i tried to correct the "error" and serious messed up my computer. Finally i had to re-install my Windows XP operating system to correct all the problems and then re-install almost all of my software. That made the virus no longer register in my system and I could then run my antivirus to delete it. It was a serious pain. I ended up buying some joke of an antivirus download that didn't even work. AAAHHH the frustration! then i bouht the good stuff and it id a great job. I assume i can't divulge either on here, though i would be glad to. I'll check back later for a reply. Anyway, Watch out for a message popping up that says Spyware or Viruses have been detected on your computer, Click here to downloaad new or special software... PAY VERY CLOSE ATTENTION TO SPELLING!!!! most scammers can not spell or do not check the spelling. i realized this about 2 weeks into my ordeal. This is a dead giveaway that you have a problem.

install a good AntiVirus/Antispy program, it's worth it!

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blue comment bubble Posted by Guru on December 17, 2008 at 12:19 PM EST

The main victims are people that have low computer/internet skills. I use google's suite of free programs, anti-virus and spyware. Plus Chrome a web browser by google is hands down the best out there plus it handles pop-up smoothly. (disclaimer: I am not employed by google or own stocks)

Posting topics like this is very useful and handy. Maybe the government should have an on-line course about the pitfalls of the internet.

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blue comment bubble Posted by chelo marroquin on December 17, 2008 at 12:21 PM EST

I will definitely keep my eyes open for this one!

When you do meet the person who invented online shopping give them a pat on the back for me as well.

thanks again for the information.

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blue comment bubble Posted by Virtueinfo on December 18, 2008 at 02:17 AM EST

I would like to thank you to provide the information to all of us.

I will definitely take care of it.

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blue comment bubble Posted by Steve Fowler on January 07, 2009 at 10:47 AM EST

I came across this site and though it may be helpful to add a comment about security on the internet. Why not conduct some basic security checks before purchasing anything from the internet? It only takes a minute or two to make a phonecall to the site concerned. If they do not post a phone number, then one could be dubious about the validity of the website. Once you have phoned, you ask the basics: ask for a name and address of a contact, and ask them if they can be contacted in the event of a problem with the purchase. To be certain, as long as you have got their name, why not ask to see a copy of their passport (by email). You could offer to send a copy of yours to them, to their address - to confirm their address is real. This may sound strict, but if you want to avoid the many scams, it makes sense, especially on a first purchase. These tips are most important if you are conducting an international transfer, as opposed to a credit card payment, because the payment provider may offer a level of protection in the SHORT term. You could also contact the payment provider to establish that the are in fact the provider to that website - rather than a clone.

Regards
Steve Fowler in the UK
Proprietor
ASA Vantage Romantic Adventures

An International dating company. Life is diverse, love is universal.

(The above post is a matter of opinion, and I accept no liability for relying on it).

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