Is It A Question Of Scruples Or Simply A Profit Motive?

Over the years, it has been described as malware, scareware, or simply put, computer virus. We are referring to the insidious application that installs itself in your computer, then prompts you to purchase a special program to clean up the multiple installed "at-risk" programs that were found on your computer. Whether you've heard it referred to as Windows XP Antivirus 2009 or Antivirus 2010, it is still the same rip-off mechanism.

Has Any Progress Been Made In Curtailing This Blight?

On Wednesday, May 26, 2010, three men were charged by the U.S. Department of Justice for allegedly operating a massive scareware distribution ring. Apparently, one of the three men, identified as Shaileshkumar "Sam" Jain, was CEO of Innovative Marketing, a Ukrainian company which initially sold counterfeit software products, then developed scareware products, amongst which was Antivirus 2008. Innovative Marketing is accused of marketing over one million copies of their fake antivirus products to end-users around the world.

Fake Antivirus, as it is referred to has become the scourge of the data security world. Only a limited number of malware detection products have been able to identify and remove these programs. In general, they slow down computers, display pop-ups and constantly offer to clean up your computer by downloading their products (which, of course, are available for a fee paid online with your credit card). Can you spell S-C-A-M?

According to a report in PC World, Innovative Marketing made more than $100 million through the sale of scareware antivirus products. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) managed to stop further distribution of some of Jain's scareware by putting the hosting company out of business. Joseph Bochner, an attorney who brought a class action suit against Jain and his business partners kept trying to get the Federal Government involved, but they told him it was not a criminal matter. It wasn't until the Department of Justice took the case that he saw some results. Eventhough Jain was arrested in 2008, he skipped bail and is believed to be residing in the Ukraine. The Department of Justice has, since, filed international money laundering charges against him in order to prosecute their case overseas.

Is It Still Status Quo?

You still need to be "on guard" whenever you work at your computer. The mechanism used by many of the fake antivirus programs is a screen which closely resembles a Windows pop-up message. Don't be fooled by this ploy. When you go online and download programs, make sure you are accessing a reputable site. If you see an e-mail that says you need to provide your password, be wary. It is only though common sense and a general awareness of inconsistency that you may detect and avoid such traps.

Keep the following in mind:

1. If the offer seems to good to be true, it probably is.


2. If the message appears to be a Windows pop-up, remember that Microsoft will NOT be sending you to a third party site.


3. If you are immediately prompted for payment online, be suspicious and question it. Try to confer with a colleague or friend. Don't be afraid to ask questions. If there is no phone number in the website that can answer your questions, don't release your credit card information.


4. Always check to see if the https appears on the top of the page and a lock icon to demonstrate a secure site. It can still be bogus, but if it has https, it adds to the creditbility of the site.


5. Envision yourself requesting a refund because you are unsatisfied with the product. Is there any information available to you initially that would enable you to get the refund? Make sure that you can find this information.


6. P.T. Barnum said, "There's a sucker born every minute." These thieves stake their reputations upon such premises. Don't be easily fooled. Think before you jump to divulge your personal information and you'll avoid being the victim.

I have mentioned it repeatedly throughout my blog posts: You must take precautions not to become a victim by being more aware of the changes around you and in your computer. If you see something that appears wrong, start with that as your premise and determine whether your initial impression is accurate or incorrect. It is better for you to act as if something is not right vs. continuing as if nothing had ever happened. This will save you much frustration later on when you DON'T have to resolve ID THEFT or CREDIT CARD FRAUD. Everything we do gives us an option. By making a choice, you can better determine the outcome. Decide not to become a victim and to notice when something doesn't sit right with you. If you can't determine if something is wrong, don't hesitate to ask for assistance. It is well worth the risk of embarassment vs the cost of repair. If you have questions about technology or wish to learn more, feel free to visit us at www.tech4now.com or contact fred@tech4now.com.