Fake Antivirus Scams Slow, But Beware
by Frank Jovine on 11/18/2009 in Scams & Hoaxes, Security
It has been more than a month since the last Fake Antivirus scam showed its face. The one that made the most impact was the Security Tool Virus. As I stare at my radar, it makes me wonder why things have slowed being so close to the holiday season. Than it came to me, the cybercriminals are planning on bigger and better things.
What could they be planning? Cybercriminals are in the process of creating fraudulent websites in order to steal customer’s money by selling products that don’t even exist. This is nothing new during this time of year.
How will they promote this scam? Cybercriminals will target eager consumers within the social network space with fake coupon offers, deals and freebies. Once a user clicks on a link, they will be taken to a fake retailer website that will look like the real McCoy. The website will be loaded with ammunition that will include phishing, viruses, and other malicious code.
These cybercriminals will market their scams using other forms of communications such as; email, instant messaging, forum posts, etc. Whatever it takes to send out their marketing campaign to the masses they will utilize.
Revenue from this type of scam
Messages sent – 1 Million
Click Thru Percentage – .1% or 1000 visits
Average cost per purchase – $29.95
Total earnings – $29,950
This is just based on 1 million messages sent to potential victims. What if that number was multiplied by 10? That’s almost $300,000 of pure profit.
If you are planning to do all your shopping online, visit the retailer’s website to see what deals they’re offering. Do not click on any link in an email that is offering huge sales, deals, buy one get one free, etc.
Be smart and shop safely!
dagorret
Nov 18th, 2009
Thanks for remembering the good practices to consider when you buy online.
Frank J
Nov 18th, 2009
dagorret,
It will be a prosperous year for internet criminals. I am hoping that people will be much more cautious.
Michael Aulia
Nov 18th, 2009
If it’s a site I’ve never heard before, I normally check its Pagerank and Alexa rank lol (and also how long the domain name has been established). If it’s new, then I’ll back off.
Googling about it and add a word “Scam” at the end of the keywords also helps
Frank J
Nov 18th, 2009
Michael,
There are domains that are ranked that have expired and or domains that have been parked for a long time. I would Google it before going by the PR and Alexa rank.
BunnygotBlog
Nov 18th, 2009
Hi Frank,
The internet scares me at this time of year. I have been looking at sites about an up and coming vacation and every time I find something the hubby points out things to me that tells me it is not a trusted site.Like even the time it takes to load.
I hate to go shopping,too. People usually get gift certificates from us.
Thanks so much for the heads up on this.
Frank J
Nov 18th, 2009
Bunny,
Always shop at a trusted brand that is well known. Hubby is a smart guy!
BunnygotBlog
Nov 18th, 2009
Yeah, he is. I am reminded everyday.lol
Frank J
Nov 18th, 2009
Bunny,
I get those same reminders from my better half.