The FTC crackdown on scareware
The FTC crackdown on scareware
By: David Brancaccio, NPR
The penalty: $163, 167, 539.95. The crime? Using something called "Scareware." If you've used a PC in the past several years, you've probably seen some version of it. This particular fraudulent scam on the Internet delivers fake pop ups while you're online that say some version of "you've got a virus," followed by a prompt to solve the problem and clean up your computer with the help of your credit card. Of course, once you're that far, they're quite possibly helping you dissassemble your computer's security system as well.
This week, the FTC is continuing a multinational crackdown on this particular kind of scam, shutting off phone lines, cutting off bank accounts, and even delivering that whopping $163 million fine to at least one of the accused scareware users. Kurt Baumgartner, security researcher for computer security firm Kaspersky Lab, says it's a longstanding scam.
The FTC crackdown on scareware
Kaspersky
Related Articles Business News
Kaspersky Lab Joins Forces with Merchant Risk Council to Help Combat eCommerce Fraud
As part of its mission to tackle online fraud, Kaspersky Lab has become the latest company to join forces with the Merchant Risk Council as Premier Solution Provider.Read More >Kaspersky Lab North America Recognized on CRN’s 2018 Security 100 List
Kaspersky Lab North America announced today that CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company, has named Kaspersky Lab to its third annual Security 100 list for endpoint security.Read More >Kaspersky Lab North America Releases its Inaugural Corporate Social Responsibility Report
Woburn, MA – December 19, 2017 – Kaspersky Lab North America today released its inaugural Corporate Social Responsibility Report, profiling the company’s continued commitment to volunteerism and philanthropy in the region over the past 12 months.Read More >