Security Pro Turns the Tables on Scammer Who Gets Infected with Ransomware
Not that I endorse such actions, but this is darn funny!
Online scareware scammers put up ominous looking web pages, which mislead web surfers into thinking they have a computer virus, then sell phony clean-up services to unsuspecting victims. Many times the website appears to freeze the computer and flashes warnings of malware. At the same time, a pop-up appears from a pseudo-security site offering to help. …for a hefty fee.
It is a scam which has been around for years. Most ignore the fake warning and close the browser session with no ill effects. But some fall for the scam and call the ‘help’ number. They are convinced to pay for unnecessary services and software. Sometimes the software they have the victim install will itself do more damage, just so the process can be repeated again and again.
But a French security researcher turned the tables on a scammer by sending him malware.
His parents fell victim to such a site and the security researcher took over. He called the support number and was told he needed to purchase a protection plan for $330. At the point when he was asked to send his credit card information. Instead, he sent an attachment containing the Locky ransomware, which is a nasty bit of malware that probably did a good job of encrypting the important files of their system.
Now, for the record I am not an advocate for hacking-back against fraudsters. Yes, I despise the wretches and want them caught, but committing a crime in retaliation is not something I condone.
That said, I can sure appreciate the irony of this story.
Original News/Image source: https://blog.kwiatkowski.fr/?q=en/node/30
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That was brilliant! Now, I would love to give something back to those IRS scammers!
Yeah, I had one of those call me the other day...
Tax Fraud Robocall Phishing Voicemail Fun
https://steemit.com/security/@mrosenquist/tax-fraud-robocall-phishing-voicemail-fun
Hrm. This sounds like PC Cleaner Pro, always telling me i have virus's and malware... But norton only signals out PC cleaner pro as the virus- and I have no clue on how to completely remove it.
To be honest, I'm glad that guy sent those people a virus. Sometimes jerks get what they deserve, and nobody died in the process! Kindof a win/win in my books.
I totally get where you are coming from! I have dealt with many con artists, fraudsters, and online cyber criminals. I think one perspective missing is that of the previous victims of this criminal. I bet they would also have a strong opinion similar to yours.
That security researcher is cool! Although I do not support such methods too
Yea, risky in his line of work. But I do like his style. He brought it to the attention of a wider audience, who I hope will learn what scareware is and be more careful themselves when navigating the Internet.
Great lesson, wish we could get a chance to get back at the scammers who waste our times with their stupid calls.
One of the greatest irritants in the modern world! I had a run in with a Tax Fraud caller the other day. I blogged about it: Tax Fraud Robocall Phishing Voicemail Fun https://steemit.com/security/@mrosenquist/tax-fraud-robocall-phishing-voicemail-fun
Fantastic Idea.
It's all fun and games until you accidentally infect yourself! Doh!