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| 15 Dec 2010 | #1 |
| | New scam tactic: Fake disk defraggers If they can't get you one way, they'll try it another way...... Quote: It would appear that the scammers are trying out the new programs to see which might best confuse potential victims and evade detection by legitimate antivirus software. The defragger clones emerged last month with names like UltraDefragger, ScanDisk and WinHDD and which pretended to find "HDD read/write errors. Earlier this month, there was PCoptimizer, PCprotection Center, and Privacy Corrector that were more generic security products rather than specifically antivirus, the post says. Computer users should be suspicious of applications that are advertised via e-mail, pop up warnings about problems (especially immediately after you click on a Web page video), demand that you make a purchase before it will fix the problems, and prompt you to update your browser, GFI Labs said. New scam tactic: Fake disk defraggers | InSecurity Complex - CNET News |
My System Specs | |
| 16 Dec 2010 | #2 |
| | Thanks for the Info, Borg  I just hope that many potential victims read that post.it's unbelievable....one of the reasons why we keep telling everyone Windows 7 doesn't need 3rd party programs for those system maintenance tasks. First Rogue AVs, now Defraggers...I've already seen similar stuff for Codec Packs what's next? I can only suggest to all who are unsure, what to do ask here! Seven Forums is such a huge community with an unbelievable amount of knowledge...besides if you fall for their scam you're most likely coming here to ask anyway because your rig probably fails for one reason or another. -DG |
| My System Specs |
| 16 Dec 2010 | #3 |
| | I'm not surprised. It's sad that some people don't have anything better to do with their time. I've put a lot of time and energy over the years trying to tell people not to use stuff like that. The promises made simply aren't true, but some folks are just gullible I guess. <side note> The most amusing such scam I've ever seen was the one that popped up, scanned my "windows" system and reported all sorts or problems. I was running Linux. </side note> |
| My System Specs |
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| 16 Dec 2010 | #4 |
| | That is playing on basic instincts....call something "free" or put some B**bs on it and the amount of ppl brainlessly clicking it is legend  I's somewhat of a hardwired automatic....if it's free or gratis, the brain goes into standby mode. |
| My System Specs |
| 16 Dec 2010 | #5 |
| | I believe that there is a certain war tactic that describes this perfectly but I don't know its exact name. Basically, they create a problem then pretend to offer a solution (which ultimately makes matters worse for the victim.) Put into the context of computer performance boosting they could very well start releasing fake graphic card drivers or whatever. 
Quote: Originally Posted by SledgeDG  First Rogue AVs, now Defraggers...I've already seen similar stuff for Codec Packs what's next? |
| My System Specs |
| 17 Dec 2010 | #6 |
| | It is unfortunate, but in most cases, when something pops up on the screen screaming "OH MY GOD, YOU'VE GOT A VIRUS!!!!!!!", the first reaction from most users is to click it. I read an article that said these fake AV's and such are purposely made to flash lights and worded to make it look and sound like if you don't click on the "fix it now" button, your whole computer will die. And unfortunately...it works most of the time. |
| My System Specs |
| 17 Dec 2010 | #7 |
| | There were studies in Germany 15 years ago that said much more damage is done to the computer by scared/confused users rather than by the virus itself. I'm in the business for quite some time and I've seen people low level format their hard drives without a second thought after just getting one of those early ASCII hoax "viruses" because they were misinformed/scared by all the BS that went to the news etc. it's not like a nuke has been dropped and you have to seek shelter immediately or die. usually it's sufficient to shut down the machine and wait for someone who knows what to do  Knowledge is power !! -DG |
| My System Specs |
| 17 Dec 2010 | #8 |
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Quote: Originally Posted by Borg 386 It is unfortunate, but in most cases, when something pops up on the screen screaming "OH MY GOD, YOU'VE GOT A VIRUS!!!!!!!", the first reaction from most users is to click it. I read an article that said these fake AV's and such are purposely made to flash lights and worded to make it look and sound like if you don't click on the "fix it now" button, your whole computer will die. And unfortunately...it works most of the time. Or, better yet, run your browser in Sandboxie....and then these changes don't have access to your actual system. |
| My System Specs |
| 17 Dec 2010 | #9 |
| | The problem is old schoolers. They were taught, back in the day...to run disk clean up and defrag the hard drive on a schedule, regularly, in order to keep OLD PCs performing. I still hear it to this day.... Second is the speed and click happy folks out there (myself included sometimes) I can't count how many times people had issues...and then I just watched them click, click click a gazillion times without knowing what they are clicking on. It's a losing battle for most of them....but a repeat customer for me... |
| My System Specs |
| 17 Dec 2010 | #10 |
| | I hear ya  I have such kind of people in my home.. They click something and it doesn't work right away (for whatever reason) and instead of checking it out or calling me, they click 20 more times Geesh  Even here on the board I read messages of people who rather not use firewalls/AV soft than dealing with pop ups about any problems..it's basically like having your oil warning light coming on in your car and then resolve the matter by taking out that light bulb -DG |
| My System Specs |
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