Scareware Scam Attacking People’s Computers

Missoula (Montana) based web-hosting firm, Univision Computers is cautioning end-users that cyber-criminals are declaring false virus alerts that are apparently tricking users into buying rogue anti-virus software.

Actually according to the firm, these false warnings that emerge through pop-up windows, in addition to destructing users' PCs, steal passwords and other private data from their computers.

Moreover, according to the FBI, the rogue anti-virus programs are known as "scareware" as their distributors scare end-users into purchasing bogus AV programs through a security alert that merely appears authentic. Kaj18.com published this on January 5, 2011.

Typically a scareware distribution involves a window that emerges on the screen alerting that there's virus on the user's computer and that it can be removed via the installation of the so-called AV program.

Says Customer Service Representative Penny Lyons for Univision Computers, the scareware campaign often tells the victim to give his credit card information towards fulfilling the payment as well as assures that the problem inflicting his computer will be fixed. But, when anyone follows the instruction, a debit amount unfailingly gets reflected on his card, thanks to the scareware purveyor, who may further infect or occasionally fully disable the victim's PC, explains Lyons. Kaj18.com reported this.

Elaborate the security specialists that the above kind of ruse helps scareware purveyors to gather large sums of money every year.

Furthermore, the specialists caution that the scareware-distribution websites usually appear extremely professional as also entice end-users with an offer of so-called "trial period" alternatively ask for an initial fee, which's a far smaller amount than the full fee that's eventually charged.

Meanwhile, for an end-user who acquiesces, it means allowing his PC for an external access as well as interaction with other PCs, which actually engage in stealing account details (usernames and passwords) or laundering money. Besides, the victim's PC may also be profiled i.e. his system's applications, user-agents along with data all transmitted to an intermediate party for vicious activities.

Thus for staying safe from such malicious websites, users must avoid doing an online search with "free" as part of the search-phrase since the returns usually include fake URLs.

Related article: SecureWorks Identifies Bank and Information Stealing Trojan Coreflood

» SPAMfighter News - 1/15/2011