Rogue
anti virus software companies have decided to “reach out and touch
someone,” according to a new report from Krebsonsecurity.com.
Groups
responsible for pushing the bogus anti malware programs are using
Internet-based phone calls over the Skype network to trick unsuspecting
users into downloading their fraudulent wares, the site reports.
Skype users are reporting they’re getting automatic calls from vendors pushing rogue anti-virus, according to a post on Krebsonsecurity.com.
The scam is not unlike an unwanted telemarketer call, with users asked
to follow instructions given by the mechanized call. Those who fall for
the ruse find themselves hit with a ubiquitous scareware page, warning
them that their computer is infected and advising them to erase the
threats from their computer. After clicking through the warning, users
are sent to a “shopping cart” which convinces them to purchase their
“professional online repair service.”
Previously spammers have used Skype to peddle their malware via online notifications, while larger projects, like spam campaigns and worms, have become more commonplace with the software.
