The spammer who logged into my PC and installed Microsoft Office
It all began with an annoying text message sent to an Ars reader. Accompanied by a Microsoft Office logo, the message came from a Yahoo e-mail address and read, "Hi, Do u want Microsoft Office 2010. I Can Remotely Install in a Computer."
The recipient promptly answered "No!" and then got in touch with us. Saying the spam text reminded him of the "'your computer has a virus' scam," the reader continued, "This seems to be something that promises the same capabilities, control of your computer and a request for your credit card info. Has anyone else seen this proposal?"
I hadn't seen this particular scam, so there was only one thing to do: take the scammer up on his offer and let him go to town on a spare copy of Windows. Ultimately, I did get that copy of Microsoft Office, and there were no viruses sent my way. Even when I failed to pay the $30 fee we had agreed upon, the scammer didn't bother attacking my computer in any way. He was just a nice guy, basically—making a dishonest living from the comfort of his own home.
An offer from Itman Koool
I e-mailed "Itman Koool" (who was employed by "IT man," apparently) last week from a spare Gmail account, saying, "i got youre message about a free microsoft office 2010 and was wondering how i get that." The conversation proceeded like this:
Itman Koool: yes i charge only $30 to install. you can pay me after the installaton
Me: that sounds like a good price for microsoft. what do i do next?
Itman Koool: ok open ur computer go to google.com , search TeamViewer , download
Me: ok, I've downloaded teamviewer, what should I do now
Itman Koool: Ok tell me id and pass
http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2013/04/the-spammer-who-logged-into-my-pc-and-installed-microsoft-office/
a fascinating story
= new reply since forum marked as read
