'New Antivirus Update for Windows' Email Scam!!

[gajendra]

This email is a scam that is designed to trick users into handing over credit card details and other personal info, in order to allow the fake anti-virus software to be updated. Links in the mail lead to a bogus website that asks the visitors to register an account and use a credit card to purchase site "access and support". Do not follow these kind of links in the bogus emails.

Herez an example of how the email looks like:

Subject: New Antivirus Update for Windows

Dear customer,

We are pleased to announce the newest version of Antivirus 2011 for Windows which will provide you with total security against the latest spyware, malware, viruses, trojans and any other online threats.

Simply visit the link below and enter your Antivirus code:
Antivirus Code: 5014

Download the latest version here
See why more & more businesses and families trust their security to AntiVirus.

Thank you for choosing us, the worldwide leader Antivirus solutions.

Mike [surname removed]
Internet Security Specialist

This email informs the user about the availability of a new version of "Antivirus 2011 for Windows" and forces recipients to follow a link to download the said update where the recipient is instructed to visit the website and enter the supplied "Antivirus Code" in order to download the new version.

However, the email is not a legitimate antivirus update notification. In fact it is an attempt to trick users to steal their credit card details. The message also attempts to fool Norton Antivirus users into believing that they can receive an update to their Norton Antivirus product. However, this message has no connection whatsoever to Symantec or any other Norton products. Those who click the link as requested will be taken to a website supposedly promoting the antivirus product where they are asked enter their "Antivirus Code". They will then be taken to another page where they are instructed to register on the site, to allow the supposed update to be downloaded. As a part of the registration process they are then asked to choose a level of "Access and Support" which requires a fee. There is no way of bypassing this step and going directly to the supposed update. Those who agree and choose one of these fee based options, will then be taken to a purchase form where they are required to submit their credit card details and other personal information. Unlike a legitimate online transaction, this bogus credit card transaction is not even conducted on a secure (https) server.

A very similar series of bogus emails claim to offer updates for Adobe products. Also another version pretends to offer Microsoft Office updates. All these emails are designed to trick new or inexperienced users into handing over their credit card details and other credentials. If you receive such an "update" email, then do not follow any links or open any attachments that the message may contain.

source:hoax-slayer

[Ruby12]

Interesting post.