2007-11-05 16:25:00 · 3 answers · asked by bob m 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
This is not actually spyware or a virus in the truest sense, as it is a legitimate peice of software which is downloaded by the PC user, having been given the option to check the T&C prior to accepting.
You would have picked up whilst surfing an adult site. At some point there would have been an offer of 3 days free trial access to the pay porn sites, and an accept button. The trick is that within the T&C you agree to allow the download of the firms software, and agree to pay a full months membership if you do not cancel the free trial within the 3 days. It is almost inpossible to get through to the company however to cancel.
Once the trial is up the software begins to launch the pop ups, pestering you to settle your outstanding bill. As the majority of PC users never read T&C's, most are baffled as to what the bill is for, and ignore it. The pop-ups become more and more frequent until your PC is unusable.
It is possible to remove the software by deleting the main programme, then searching for links with the associated file titles, adn finally running Ccleaner to clear the last traces out.
Its not worth contacting the company involved to complain that you did not agree to the charge, as they use the agrument that you had to make a choice to accept the free trial, and are therefore bound by its conditions. This has already been run by Trading Standards and others, and although of dubious morality, it is perfectly legal.
Most anti-spyware software out there will not remove the software, as it is legitimate, and so is not targetted. The link below is to PCAdvisor website, where there is a link and instructions to software which will remove this.
2007-11-07 05:05:01 · answer #1 · answered by pete w 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Seems to be a nasty 'nag' that is installed with those custom 'viewers' you typically find on Porn sites... i.e. when you clicked on 'download & install viewer', 'OK' you installed this worm ...
Google for the fix ..
... and in future NEVER download ANYTHING from a site offering 'free' dubious images (how do you know your PC is not infected with root kits, back doors & key loggers etc = for all you know some scum-bag is monitoring every key you type and your PC is pumping out junk mail every time it's switched on .)
2007-11-06 03:26:20 · answer #2 · answered by Steve B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A good anti spyware program will remove this.
2007-11-06 04:24:29 · answer #3 · answered by Sly_Old_Mole 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋