OWN GOAL: Security
software company said fraudsters were attempting to entice users to click on
corrupted links with the offer of World Cup tickets
Security software firm Symantec
Corp yesterday issued an alert ahead of the FIFA World Cup soccer
tournament, calling on Internet users to heed the threat of malware scams
disguised as free ticket give-aways.
The antivirus vendor said that there has recently
been a rise in Internet
scams, with many using offers of free World Cup tickets to spread viruses
or malware.
The tricks involve e-mails about such popular
soccer stars as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to entice people to click on
corrupted links, it said.
There are also false “live broadcast” links
which carry the threat of phishing.
This kind of Internet scam usually asks the user
to download and install a video player or fill out a questionnaire — both of
which are designed to deceive soccer fans into sending money to the fraudsters,
it added.
Saying that it expected scammers to turn to
social networks soon, Symentek reminded Web users to be alert to potential
fraud perpetrated in the name of the FIFA World Cup.
Fans wishing to follow the latest news about
their favorite soccer players are advised to go to the official Web site of the
sports event, it said.
Those who plan to watch the event online should
keep away from dubious Web sites and use services provided by trusted sports
channels only, it said.
As an added precaution Web users should also
update their operating systems and other software to the latest versions, which
would ensure that their Web-enabled devices have the best protection against
malware, it added.
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