"New Moon" Scam
By worldwise1
@worldwise1 (14885)
United States
November 27, 2009 11:44am CST
I received this notice in a newsletter from PC Tools today:
PC Tools’ Malware Research Center has discovered another online Twilight scam, promising viewers they can watch the “New Moon” movie for free. Here’s what really happens:
• Fans are baited with the text websites, chat rooms and blogs that read: “Watch New Moon Full Movie.” Concurrently, comment posts are filled with related keywords to attract more search engines.
• Search results for the movie then link users to stolen images from the movie itself, convincing the fan that the movie is only one click away.
• When they click on the “movie player” they are told to install a "streamviewer".
• The streamviewer, however, installs malware on the user’s computer.
This is of course part of a larger trend, where cybercriminals use the popularity of current affairs, world events and even movie premieres to attract people who seek free or pirated content.
I guess this just serves to remind us that there is no such thing as a free lunch anymore, and to beware of trying to get something for nothing. Have you ever had something like this happen to you?
2 responses
@diamania (7011)
• Netherlands
27 Nov 09
I've had a lot of trouble with a fake virus scanner which allegedly wanted to scan my computer but instead of that it injects some dangerous viruses into your computer, sending your computer right into your very own bin. In the end I had been able to beat the bloody thing, and regain control over my computer again, lucky me. Other people consult expensive PC-shops for these fairly simple tasks which is basically the same as giving money away on the street. Why outsource things when you can do it yourself? :)
As long as you make sure your computer's security is up to par you don't have to fear for much. Should you be unlucky one day, some simple procedures do the trick, whereas if your security wouldn't be it a respectable level you would just have to follow procedures that are far more difficult and tedious. Prevention goes over healing, always...
