Prestonlewis
Sacramento,#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.