kcjenkins Posted November 30, 2009 Report Posted November 30, 2009 PC Tools’ Malware Research Center has discovered another online Twilight scam, promising viewers they can watch the “New Moon” movie for free. Here’s what really happens: • Fans are baited with the text websites, chat rooms and blogs that read: “Watch New Moon Full Movie.” Concurrently, comment posts are filled with related keywords to attract more search engines. • Search results for the movie then link users to stolen images from the movie itself, convincing the fan that the movie is only one click away. • When they click on the “movie player” they are told to install a "streamviewer". • The streamviewer, however, installs malware on the user’s computer. This is of course part of a larger trend, where cybercriminals use the popularity of current affairs, world events and even movie premieres to attract people who seek free or pirated content. Our advice is to see films in the cinema. Sure the popcorn is over-priced, but it’s still cheaper than having your bank details taken from your PC and your account drained of funds. Quote
Eric Posted November 30, 2009 Report Posted November 30, 2009 Wow, watch New Moon for free?! I guess I'm not the target audience for this kind of trick. Yuck. Quote
kcjenkins Posted November 30, 2009 Author Report Posted November 30, 2009 No, most of us are not in the target market, but many of us have kids or grandkids that are. Plus it's a good reminder that this scam is being used with lots of movies now, and probably more soon. And no doubt some of them may even be movies for more mature audiences. And let's face it, 'free' is always tempting. Quote
Catherine Posted December 1, 2009 Report Posted December 1, 2009 Thanks, KC. Just posted a much-abbreviated version on Facebook after sending the full shebang to my girls. Neither of them can -stand- the whole Twilight series (good for them!), but they should still know. Quote
Eric Posted December 1, 2009 Report Posted December 1, 2009 And let's face it, 'free' is always tempting. It is, and should always be met with a heavy dose of skepticism. Especially on the internet. Quote
Jack from Ohio Posted December 1, 2009 Report Posted December 1, 2009 Much better defensive strategy: How about teaching your kids and grandkids... "THERE AIN'T NO FREE LUNCH!" or "Nothing is FREE!" (especially on the internet) Quote
Catherine Posted December 1, 2009 Report Posted December 1, 2009 <snip> "THERE AIN'T NO FREE LUNCH!" or <snip> Sometimes abbreviated as TANSTAAFL (there ain't no such thing as a free lunch). About twelve years ago, I got a medal for knowing that. Three cheers for Robert Heinlein! Quote
Eric Posted December 1, 2009 Report Posted December 1, 2009 Sometimes abbreviated as TANSTAAFL (there ain't no such thing as a free lunch). About twelve years ago, I got a medal for knowing that. Three cheers for Robert Heinlein! Wondering which of his books it came from, I Googled it. I'm in between books right now, so I think I'll pick up "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" this weekend. Quote
Catherine Posted December 1, 2009 Report Posted December 1, 2009 Wondering which of his books it came from, I Googled it. I'm in between books right now, so I think I'll pick up "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" this weekend. One of the best!!!! Quote
Randall Posted December 1, 2009 Report Posted December 1, 2009 Wondering which of his books it came from, I Googled it. I'm in between books right now, so I think I'll pick up "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" this weekend. I've only read four, but this is my favorite of the four. Quote
michaelmars Posted December 1, 2009 Report Posted December 1, 2009 I've read everthing he wrote and written about him, in fact a few books came out in just the past few years. His speaches to the military, nasa and congress should be required reading by all politicians. Even if you disagree with him he certainly provokes heated debates! Quote
Gail in Virginia Posted December 1, 2009 Report Posted December 1, 2009 He has to be in my all-time top ten authors list, and one of the main reasons that I remain a science fiction junkie to this day. I thought the TANSTAAFL phrase came from the book The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, but now I am not sure. i also like the phrase TANJ from Larry Niven - There ain't no justice. Quote
Eric Posted December 1, 2009 Report Posted December 1, 2009 He has to be in my all-time top ten authors list, and one of the main reasons that I remain a science fiction junkie to this day. I thought the TANSTAAFL phrase came from the book The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, but now I am not sure. i also like the phrase TANJ from Larry Niven - There ain't no justice. "Grok" from Stranger in a Strange Land has even made it into the dictionary, although the definition is somewhat lacking. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Grok Quote
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