HOAX VIRUS -MICROSOFT

[chirpy]

FOLLOWING MESSAGE RECEIVED FROM SON IN U.K.

To all you internet experts in France.

There is a hoax mail being sent that is not, NOT, from microsoft. The
text below suggests that you need to download a file that is attached
to the email. Please do not do this, it is yet another example of a
person/organisation sending virus mails.

As a general rule never download attachments contained in emails, and
never from microsoft or any other company. If you need to update
software this is done through automatic updates when you are on line.
I'm pretty sure that both your computers are set up to update software
automatically, if you're not sure give me a call. It may be worth
sending this mail to your contacts.

I hope all is well

Regards

David



On 1 Mar 2005, at 03:21, security@microsoft.com wrote:

Re: Alert! New Sober Worm!

> ATTENTION!
>
> Antivirus vendors are warning of a new variant of the "Sober" virus
> discovered today that can delete the hard disk.
>
> Protection:
> Download and read the zipped patch. It's very easy to install!
>
> Thanks for your cooperation!
>
>
>
> --- (c)2005 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved
> --- Microsoft Corporation
> --- One Microsoft Way
> --- Redmond, Washington 98052-6399
>
>
>
> *-* Attachment: No Virus found
> *-* "THEHOTHAUS" Anti-Virus Service
> *-* http://www.thehothaus.com<help-text.zip>

DO NOT OPEN MAIL ATTACHMENTS - This is a public service email from the
UK, no snow here, but cold. Where has global warming gone?

[BJSLIV]

Thanks for the warning but

Perhaps not a good idea to have included the link that might take you to the virus.........

[I1]

You actually also need to be quite careful about free Spyware checkers now as well: see http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm

Some of these Spyware detectors will give false positives and then charge you to “remove them”. I have even seen some accused of installing Spyware so you need to pay to get rid of it. Some of the companies use somewhat disreputable selling techniques.

And now we are seeing cannibalism among scumware mongers, somebody will offer to scan your computer and remove Spyware, and they will actually do so--and replace it with their own! Right now, in Seattle, one scumware company is in court suing another for "illegally" removing their scum from people's computers.