[SeniorTech] Beware of "scareware"

From: "Jerry Taylor" <jerry@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <jerry@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Tue, 11 Aug 2009 20:40:50 -0400
 Don't Fall Victim to Scareware 

 What is scareware? <http://askbobrankin.com/scareware.jpg> You're
surfing the Net and all of a sudden a screen pops up warning you there
is a problem on your computer. You're not sure if it's real or not, so
what do you do? Be careful, it could be scareware. I define scareware
like this:

SCAREWARE: Software that is created for the purpose of tricking people
into downloading or purchasing it, when in reality it's either
unnecessary, marginally useful, or outright dangerous. Scareware
programs often run a fake or cursory scan, then present the user with a
list of hazards that must be corrected. Fixing these "problems" then
requires the user to pay a fee for a "full" or "registered" version of
the software. 

If you see a popup like the ones on this page, or messages like
"CRITICAL ERROR! - REGISTRY CORRUPTED" or "WARNING - PRIVACY VIOLATIONS
FOUND" ...then your scareware spider-sense should be kicking in.
Scareware popups often warn about problems with the
<http://askbobrankin.com/what_is_scareware.html#> Windows registry,
tracking cookies, spyware or
<http://askbobrankin.com/what_is_scareware.html#> viruses. The names
sound innocent enough... Scan & Repair, MalwareCore, AntiVirus 2008,
AntiVirus 2009, AntiVirus Plus, 2010WinDefender, XPDefender and
WinSpywareProtect. Sometimes the message will have flashing elements,
and that should be the first indication that something is wrong. You may
be instructed to visit a
<http://askbobrankin.com/what_is_scareware.html#> web site to download a
<http://askbobrankin.com/what_is_scareware.html#> registry cleaner, or
to click on something in the message that will diagnose or correct your
supposed "errors" for free. 

Some people are tricked into downloading free
<http://askbobrankin.com/what_is_scareware.html#> diagnostic tools that
run a scan (or pretend to) and then present you with warnings about
spyware or evil cookies that were detected. Typically, you must
"register" the software to activate or download the code that will fix
your problems. You may be charged you $39, $49, or another amount, but
you may also be giving your credit card and/or bank information to
identity thieves.

 What is scareware? <http://askbobrankin.com/scareware2.jpg> Some
scareware programs are marginally useful, and will actually diagnose and
fix certain problems. But there are plenty of free and reliable tools to
do these things for free. In other cases, the scareware is actually
infecting your computer and requiring that you buy their product to get
rid of it. The scareware problem has become so widespread that Microsoft
and Washington State's Attorney General have filed lawsuits against some
of the perpetrators. 

BOTTOM LINE: Do not click, do not pass go, do not fall for the scam. If
you have ANY doubts, ask a computer savvy friend or your tech support
person at work. If you have no friends and no job, just close the popup
using the little X in the upper right hand corner.

What About the REAL Error Messages?


 Windows needs your permission...
<http://askbobrankin.com/windows-permission.jpg> Of course you may
occasionally see a warning or error message appear on your screen that's
legitimate. Windows may ask for permission to install some new software,
warn you that some other program is trying to modify your system
settings. If you are in fact installing new software, you can be pretty
sure that it's safe to proceed.

 Windows updates <http://askbobrankin.com/windows-updates.jpg> Windows
may also alert you that some critical patches are available to download
or install. When this message appears in a balloon attached to the
taskbar at the bottom of the screen, you can trust it. This is the
<http://askbobrankin.com/what_is_scareware.html#> Windows Update
mechanism, and you should use it to keep your Windows
<http://askbobrankin.com/what_is_scareware.html#> system software
updated.

 AVG anti-virus alert <http://askbobrankin.com/avg-alert.jpg> Your
anti-virus or anti-spyware program may find something, and ask you if it
should be deleted or quarantined. If you recognize the warning as
definitely coming from a security tool you have installed, then it
should be safe to heed to warning. Again, when in doubt, just close the
message without clicking on anything inside the
<http://askbobrankin.com/what_is_scareware.html#> popup window.

(Thanks to the Internet Tourbus for this information)

 

Jerry


Jerry Taylor
SeniorTech
http://www.seniortech.us <http://www.seniortech.us/> 
Personalized In-Home Computer Lessons
     for Senior Citizens and Retirees
585-964-3319
"Computers are not just for kids"
[SeniorTech] Beware of "scareware"

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