"Fake Antivirus Scams Generate $150M" Topic

The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) issued a warning about fake antivirus software generally sold via pop-up "security warnings" in web browsers.

In reality, the software doesn't work – or it'll install malware such as keyloggers and real viruses.

The FBI estimates that this scam has generated $150,000,000 in revenue for the scammers.

To make matters worse, the scammers have tricked reputable sites, such as the New York Times, into running their ads. Most of the time, the scammers will hack the website – or the server actually providing legitimate advertising. This last is particularly insidious as the hosting website doesn't have any indication that the third-party site has been hacked. Recently, webcams sold by Office Depot contained links to a hacked website which attempted to download the software as well.

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Wyatt

I had better email this to everyone in my address book….

Follow the money

"Follow the money"

Interestingly enough, it was reported by the IMF(?) that during the last year, organized crime and drug cartels were responsible for keeping the European economy afloat by laundering $300 USD billion through banks that either didn't know or were too desperate to care where the money came from.

Your fake Canadian Viagra dollars at work.

Wyatt

Got hit with that exact Virus just yesterday. It just installed on my computer without me clicking on any adds btw. It's a real pain. It took a while to get rid of it.

Life sentence to all virus designers is my dream…

Yeah, I posted about that a week or so ago, didn't do anything and was swamped with warnings. IT had to wipe my drive – no harm done, but annoying.

In my experience these viruses can get to your PC in 2 ways (unless you are really trying):

Scam ads: you don't even have to click on them!

Fake video codec: Usually these are nastier, try not to watch videos unless you trust the host (use reputable hosts like youtube, Blip TV, daily motion ect…) They are nastier most likely because videos use alot of temp. space on your computer. So a fake video codec and download more faster.

I am suprised that the scammers have made this much! Probably because people panic and they feel they have no choice but to buy these stuff…

These days the only way you can prevent getting a virus/malware/adware is to get decent antivirus and spyware protection and firewall…

Had the same thing on our salon computer. It blocked IE and said we had about 20 viruses, trojans etc. Would not let you do anything without purchasing their virus software, did not show up on my virus/malware scan. Took it in and had it removed. Hopefully Norton picks it up fast so it does not happen again.

Not correct Bayonet. The only way you can prevent getting a virus/malware/adware is to build your pc and never connect it to the internet and never put any media in it, such as disks, external usb drives, memory cards, etc… Of course your computer won't be of much use then, so we just have to live with doing the best we can by taking the necessary precautions to reduce the chances of getting infected.