Scam Or Not?

[Atrocities]

Be advised that I have received about a 100 of these Messages in the Last day or so. I have reported them to the proper Abuse services, blocked them, yet they are still coming in. So I ask you, would you click on the link? I have not, given the nature of the bLaster worm and other nasty bugs lately, I would prefer to keep my win2k system virus free.

ATTENTION: IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED FOR MSN AND WINDOWS MESSENGER USERS.

You are receiving this e-mail because you are a MSN Messenger or Windows
Messenger Service user.

As part of Microsoft's Trustworthy Computing initiative, Microsoft is
updating the .NET Messenger Service and providing you with an important
MSN Messenger or Windows Messenger security update.

If you are using MSN Messenger 5.0, Windows Messenger 4.7.2000, or MSN
Messenger for Mac 3.5, or any Versions higher than these, you do NOT need
this security update. To find out which Version you have, select the
'Help' menu in Messenger, then select 'About'. If you are using an older
Version, or are not sure, please visit:
http://messenger.msn.com/Help/Upgrades.aspx
for an update.

NOTICE: If you are not using an updated Version, you will be unable to
continue using your MSN Messenger or Windows Messenger Service.

Thank you for helping Microsoft further its commitment to helping you
protect your privacy and security Online.

You can view the .NET Messenger Statement of Privacy at:
http://messenger.msn.com/Help/Privacy.aspx
and the .NET Messenger Service Terms of Use and Notices at:
http://messenger.msn.com/Help/Terms.aspx.

[Baron Grazic]

Being behind 2 firewalls, I clicked on the link and it certainly seems like the normal MSN web site and talks about the security issue with MSN Messager, but then again, I don't use the product, and I certainly wouldn't download the security patches unless it came directly from the MS web site.

[Taera]

there's another thing - i am a user of MSNIM and i didnt get a single copy of that letter.

[Atrocities]

It appears to be legit, I received an email from the MSN abuse people and they say yup, it is a true MSN email. Oh well, I guess not all emails are dubious.

[narf poit chez BOOM]

most Online stuff can now check and tells you if needs an update. if it stops working, you can always get it later.

[dogscoff]

I always strip MSN and MSMessenger off all my systems at the earliest opportunity. Microsoft tries very hard to stop you doing this (for example, on XP messenger has no uninstall function) but if you're determined there's always a way...

[trooper]

With all those viruses spreading during the Last weeks, it seems that PC Users become a bit paranoiac, doesn't it ?
After fighting with MS BLaster for three days on my own PC, I must admit that I'm becoming paranoiac too...

[Suicide Junkie]

Email Rule of Thumb:
Never click a link, especially if its talking about installing patches and stuff.
Anything it says to install or delete, ignore.

Instead, close your email program, then visit the windows update site and do updates on your virus programs by yourself.

1) Links are often boobytraps that will send you down into the monster's lair.
2) Deleting a single file NEVER HELPS. Even the weakest viruses infect lots of files, so only a scanning program can find them all.
3) Putting password info into an email is like giving your wallet to the stranger with a pLastic police badge so he can check your driver's license. Don't be surprised if stuff is missing and all you hear is tires squealing in the distance.
4) Just because it is from a big, well known company does NOT prevent it from being a scam!

[ August 20, 2003, 13:11: Message edited by: Suicide Junkie ]

[minipol]

Originally posted by dogscoff:
I always strip MSN and MSMessenger off all my systems at the earliest opportunity. Microsoft tries very hard to stop you doing this (for example, on XP messenger has no uninstall function) but if you're determined there's always a way...

Yeah i once had to do this for a customer. Very hard to find how to do it. In the end the computer had to boot and only 2 desktop icons where to be clickable. Almost all of the start menu had to be disabled.

It was a portable pc that nurses would take with them as they visited patients on the road. By disabling nearly everything, they hoped to minimize support and it effectively did so

[DavidG]

It's hard not to be paranoid when MS sends you the F#$&*#^ thing 100 times!! I also got it multiple times. Why the heck would they do that??