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MBCONTACT.COM attempted download free AVG anti-virus , rogue site asked for extra money for exras Nationwide Internet
Whilst attempting to download free software, clicked on a site that gave impression of being AVG (anti-virus), seemed to go according to plan, then a pop-up suggested paying 25 (sterling) for better version etc, did this, my credit card was debited by MBCONTACT.COM.
One month later, realised didn't have anti-virus (but several software suites "doing scans" attempting to get me to buy their products - it would appear I must have unwittingly downloaded them on the day I signed up products of this rogue company - I responded to "download this anti-spyware facility" (for example) by clicking where shown and waiting for the download. One had a similar name to Registry mend (another word was used instead of mend), one was "Uni-blue" etc etc
Don't want to name the software "companies" that I believe are connected with these fraudsters, in case they are completely innocent and found their way onto my computer simply by my ham-fisted attempts to be computer literate. I suspect them, because when I was busy "downloading the multiple software for protection of my computer" that this Mbcontact lot were offering, I think it must have been all these spyware/anti-virus/ suites, that by default, appeared when turning on computer, apparantly doing helpful looking scans, that warned me of awful dangers that could be averted and destroyed by me signing up and paying for more help
Have since found websites devoted to the victims of this outfit (mbcontact) who also unwittingly clicked on similar sounding websites to those of bone-fide companies (like AVG - or spybot type of things) they were trying to source.
I was pleasantly surprised that my credit card company refunded the 25, even 'though we didn't report this until 6 weeks later.
I have suggested to someone at AVG: that there website offering free downloads should have a warning, if any sites are not entitled "XYZ", PLEASE PRESUME THEY ARE NOT FREE DOWNLOADS FROM AVG, beware of similar sounding sites
Laviniateresa
London
United Kingdom
1 Updates & Rebuttals
Prestonlewis
Sacramento,California,
U.S.A.
AVG and other software companies are not to blame
#2Consumer Comment
Tue, November 18, 2008
The "free AVG download" scam is well know as is the similar "free iTunes" download scam. They both are perpetrated by the same company which claims to be in Panama and use a payment processor located in the Netherlands. This SCAM essentially offers free software from legitimate companies like AVG or iTunes. In the fine print, it clearly states the software is free and that they are selling "support" for a certain amount of time. Unfortunately, not too many of us read the fine print. They use dozens of web sites, such as: antivirus--activation--code1.com with varying web site names to convince you it's legit (but it's not). You then download a malware program that usually pops up new ads wanting you to buy other software. AVG won't work, even if you downloaded it, because AVG requires you to obtain a serial number FROM THEM, not the spamster. You can simply go to www.avg.com to get a free copy of their good antivirus software and it will come with a serial number that works. Any other website, other than www.avg.com will not give you a working copy of the free software. Period. Either you'll get malware or you'll get charged for a copy that might or might not work. Remember, AVG is only one of dozens of free or low cost software that are used by spammers like this. NEVER buy any software from an unknown source. Even the "sponsored" links at Google or Yahoo are not to be trusted.
One way to spot this particular scammer is most of their numerous web pages have "--" in the webpage name. Like antivirus--activation--code1.com/ which has two sets of hyphens (--) which is commonly seen in this particular spammers work. Sometimes, they only use one hyphen like activation-code1.com but usually they use two hyphens.
Also remember to be vigilant. This spammer advertises free Adobe Reader updates (commonly used free program) and many other spams. Be vigilant and NEVER give your credit card out without doing research first and making sure you have a legit site. A quick Google would have revealed the official avg.com website with the FREE download link and it will never ask you for money. If any website asks for money, for God's sake wait a day and think about it and do some internet research.
Lastly, call your credit card bank and see if they can block your card from being used by any off shore site. Most spammers DO NOT use US/Canadian processors. If you live in North America, try to restrict your card for use only in North America.