***SCAM*** Software download web sites. Beware!

Frankly, I wouldn't.

There's nothing on that web site that tells me they are genuine and trustworthy. Obviously they are not going to tell us that they are a scam site, and that they are going to steal our credit card details; that would defeat the object of their business of course.

But you get a "feel" for genuine sites, either they are verified brick and mortar, or they are well known, or they have had extensive and verifiable reviews by independent bodies, or whatever. But this site gives me nothing but a cold feeling in my spine.

Bob provided one link and let me provide another from the same web site at;
http://www.ripoffreport.com/directory/US-Softs-Online.aspx

That tells me that these people are using various versions of "softsonlinessite", none of which read true to me.

No, I would walk away.

But thanks for bringing this to our attention. This is all we can do, note it and hope others see it in searches and such, and so the information is very valuable.

Mark

That's why I checked. I know that there are people who will spoof a legitimate website to get the business as well. No worries here, the money stays with me. Keep up the great work you guys!

Praendl

I didn't even get to see the full site, but you're right, it's a redirect to marketbill.com

By Firefox browser WOT add-on stopped me from seeing the site with a big red 'danger' pop-up, and WOT's report about the web site is here;
http://www.mywot.com/en/scorecard/marketbill.com

Sadly it seems that your father was caught. I didn't check the other links in your post since they all come from the same source.

Thanks for reporting this. It is only by people such as you telling us about these scam sites that we can hope to get the message across.

Mark

Inquired further with my father. He was able to log into the "service website" through the scam site marketbill.com. Doing so took him to (scam site) tvprocessing.com.

For clarification I ascertained that sftwr-dnwld.com was the charge billed to his CC probably an attempt to further confuse the user and disassociate the scam product from the scam charge.

A McAfee review had this to say:
a) known scam site
b) virus/malware acquired by the site
C) part of a known network of scam sites "literally thousands" perpetrated by one main company which I believe to be run from outside the US.

More here:
http://www.siteadvisor.com/sites/tvprocessing.com/msgpage

This commentary on the page was particularly enlightening:

"Rating: Phishing or other scams
The group that runs this site bill themselves as CashEngines, a/k/a InteractiveBrands, Ibsoftware Cyprus or simply IBSoftware. They have thousands of web sites and are well-known for their fraudulent business practices. They use domain names that contain catchy phrases, in the hope of snaring unsuspecting consumers. Phrases like "no fee," "free unlimited," "100% legal" and "no spyware" appear often on their web sites.

CashEngines has used other names in the past to suit their needs, including MarketEngines and MP3 Networks, depending on the site you visit, although InteractiveBrands appears to be their moniker of choice at the moment. Their modus operandi is to get you to pay for something that is available elsewhere for free, usually under the guise of "tech support."

Common themes include video, music, software and free satellite TV on your PC. Lately they have also diversified into record database scams. Whatever might become the next "hot" item in consumers' minds, you can surely bet that CashEngines will create a variety of web sites to capitalize on it. Most of their sites, regardless of what the domain name may suggest, are clones of their "free music" sites. Search engine placement appears to play a role in the selection of a name.
If you visit the cashengines.com web site, you'll see that they have an affiliate program ("HUGE Payouts - Cash Engines pays affiliates up to $22.50 for each sale you bring in"). Affiliate programs are a sure bet against a good shopping experience.
Posted at 04/01/2008-02:34:07 PM by dean, Experienced Reviewer , View profile [ Reputation score: 9 / 9 ]"

My question is this: why aren't these criminals pursued and shut down?

and one that a lot of people have asked, "Why are these criminals allowed to continue?" or similar.

You and your father have done a great job with your research and I commend you both for that. May I make a suggestion? Browser security helped me accessing the first link you gave in your original post. I use Firefox and I have a security add-on called WOT, (Web Of Trust) and this is an internet community based review of web sites. If WOT considers a web site dangerous or otherwise unsuitable, it will display a window within the browser page of the site giving a warning.

It is an instant marker that, 'something may not be right'. We internet users can give our own ratings, based on Trustworthiness, Reliability, Privacy, and Child Safety, and the more we use it, the more the message gets across.

Sadly it is only for Firefox at the moment, but it has saved my back many a time. It also works in Google searches, (or other search engines).

McAfee also has a similar utility, called the McAfee Site Advisor. However it is not free. But it may be more comprehensive than WOT and may work in more browsers.

These ratings utilities are very useful, and the more people who us them the better and more accurate they are.

Back to your question. Here's what I believe is the main problem. They are international, and wherever they may be that nation has not yet caught up with many in the West who are getting more and more sophisticated about internet crime. There is no international agreement about the use of the internet, and indeed, many western nations, (USA and UK for example), are reluctant to risk the independence and freedom of the internet by regulation.

That said, many individual nations do crack down on internet crime where they can, and you may well find the authorities in your country would be interested in your findings.

It's not satisfactory by any means, and that's why we have to help ourselves and help those who are more vulnerable than us to avoid these traps.

Again, thank you for this information. I can't say how useful this whole thread is, but I raised it in the hope that it would help others to avoid what many fall into.

Regards,

Mark

It's free. Can be downloaded from http://www.siteadvisor.com/

Kees

Thanks Kees.

I did see that Free download link, but then when I went to their Downloads tab I saw the free 30 day trial. That did surprise me though.

I stand corrected,

Mark

Thanks for that.

I didn't even have to investigate much. When I went to that site my WOT, (Web of Trust), browser security plugin displayed a big red warning, for danger. Their rating here;
http://www.mywot.com/en/scorecard/votrehy.com

In short, http://votrehy.com/sales_special-offer.html DO NOT GO THERE.

It was too suspect even for me to look further.

Mark

This thread/discussion is about identifying and listing those *Scam Sites* that sell pirated or otherwise illegal or harmful software. So readers are unlikely to find testimonials here saying how good those sites.

Mark

I think I found another scam site: soft supreme . net

It says it is in Atlanta, with a bunch of "Microsoft certified" logos. There's a toll free number to call. When you call, a woman with a foreign accent says all lines are busy, leave a message, and they will call you back. Software is much cheaper than it should be.

Very fishy.

Thanks for the forums--glad I checked.

http:// www.softsupreme.net a sure *SCAM* site

Their FAQ does it for me http:// www.softsupreme.net/info/faq/

"Because buying the software with us you receive the copies of downloaded licensed versions. This means, you will have no hard copies of documentation (licenses or instructions) - just files and instructions in .txt format"

Oops, Pirate! And as we know, pirates are never trustworthy.

Thanks for telling us.

Mark

Their FAQ says;

"You can take the software for downloading only! You don't have to pay for frilly package, license and printing user manual, which altogether makes up the majority of the total value. But, unfortunately, in this case you cannot get a technical support and different additional discounts from the producer."

So, no licences, no support, no manuals, no installation disks. What genuine software provider fails to provide those with their titles?

Did you pay by credit card? If so, possibly the credit card company can refund you your purchase price.

Mark

I tried downloading the trial version of a DVD player software and it never takes. I want to try these products before I buy and avoid all the return hassles.

These scams sites won't let you 'try before you buy'. It is not good marketing.

They want you to buy, so they have your money before they will allow the install to activate.

Mark

I ordered software from a site named http: //falsesoft .com. The price was ridiculous and I should have known better. The payee on my credit card charge was softwarelasts.com. The company also goes by the name One Soft and is listed with an address in Austin, TX. Once I paid for the software I was directed to http: //securedownloadzone. com. Using my email address and a provided password I downloaded the software in a zip file. After extracting the RAR file I was getting messages from Norton Antivirus that some of the files contained "Trojan Droppers" (including setup.exe). Norton would not allow the files to be installed (thankfully) and I realized that I had been scammed. That's what let me to this website. If this ever happens to any of you call your credit card company immediately and report your card lost or stolen so they lock your account and issue you a new card and number. I had a feeling there was something ominous in a site name beginning with the word "false", as in falsesoft. We should learn to trust our gut feelings more often. Better safe than sorry.

http://software-stocks_com/ - Very poor WOT - Web of Trust rating, although no comments made.

However, their FAQ is scary with the poor English. I expect more from web sites, even scam sites.

I suspect the two French language sister sites are the same as well, although no WOT on those.

It's a site I would not trust.

As to the other web site, http://www.software-hotbuy_com/ I have no hesitation in saying it is a scam site. WOT gives an even poorer rating.

And in addition, their FAQ is wholly misleading. EG;

"Is your software anthentic? {note the spelling error}
All our software is 100% authentic. Volume Licensing programs provide much lower prices."

Microsoft does not provide Volume Licensing software for individual resale.

Thanks for these two, Good finds.

Mark

Note, I disabled the clickable links by using _com instead of .com

See my reply above, here;
http://forums.cnet.com/7726-12543_102-5083150.html

Mark

I've found this webiste:

http:// maindownloads.net - site registered March 28, 2011 using Verisign logo without link and no traceable record with VeriSign. Furthermore the site does not state the exact company name at all!

I've completed the contact form and asked them to provide their Verisign certificate details.

Site indicates main office in San Francisco USA, Server according to Who-is in the Czech Republic, Site Owner address in Paris 16eme close to Etoile - very chic.

No Phone number in company details - all Partner logos are in 1 image only without any links to these sites, Company address embedded in an image so no robot can grab it.

caddy works perfectly, and you're getting on a payment page that wants go grab all your details with a nice locker symbol stating 'Secured page' but using http protocol at the place of https

Any feedback? The nice thing - I live in France and have a Gendarmerie right arround the corner - so if feedback indicates that this is a suspicious - or more than suspicious webiste ...

tx for your feedback.
Martina

This is nothing but a scam web site. Ther FAQ showws;

"1. Why do you sell software cheaper than official brand providers do?

Because buying the software with us you receive the copies of downloaded licensed versions. This means, you will have no hard copies of documentation (licenses or instructions) - just files and instructions in .txt format"

So, copies of software and that means pirated.

All verification logos are just icons and not clickable, and I am sure I have seen their "About Us" office building before.

I'm quite happy to say that http://maindownloads.net is a SCAM!

Good luck with the Gendarmes,

Mark

I just fell over the brother or sister of the previous

same phone number...

http:// main-downloads.net

Gendarms nicely took the docs I gave them

Martina