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Oracle Tips by Burleson |
Web Stalkers
Chapter 11 - Internet Spies
Pop Up Windows
Another scheme commonly used by pop-up window
advertisers is to write the advertisement in such a way that it
looks like an official warning, possibly generated by the operating
system. A message may read, “Your computer is infected by a virus.
Click here for help!” Another misleading message may read, “Your
computer is not running at top speed, and is in need of an upgrade.”
These messages will provide hyperlinks that
will direct the unsuspecting user to the website where products are
available for purchase to fix the problem. Of course, there is no
problem. These messages insinuate that the computer has been
evaluated and is in need of their product to perform more reliably
or remove a virus. In fact, the pop-up has gone out to millions of
users, blindly seeking those that will believe the message and buy
the product.
Pop-up advertisements or marketing surveys are
sometimes camouflaged as games. One trick displays a window with a
cartoon monkey moving slowly around inside. At the top of the
window a message reads “Click on the monkey and win $50!”
The advertisement masquerades as a game of
skill. The monkey is a moving target, inviting the unsuspecting web
surfer to click it and win. Of course, the monkey is moving very
slowly, and makes an easy target. Sure enough, it is; however, the
game is actually a hyperlink for the advertiser.
Some variations of this idea inform the person
that they are indeed a winner and to collect their $50, they must
provide name, address, phone number, SSN and so on. While it is
highly doubtful they will ever see the $50, they almost certainly
will see a marked increase in the amount of advertising they
receive. Depending on the amount and type of information divulged,
they may also find that someone has stolen their identity and is out
in the world doing all the fun things identity thieves like to do.
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For more details and scripts, see my new book "
Oracle
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