Simviation Forums

I have recieved a couple of emails that have claimed to be from the Federal Beuroa of Investigations [FBI].

They say that downloading Movies, MP3's and Software is completely illegal. Well, I understand that downloading movies and MP3 is illegal [in a certain way], but software is a different story.

First off. I have removed Kazaa and all related files [including shared downloads] from my computer 2 [two] years ago for fear of being infected by a virus. I have only downloaded "freeware" software and others from "legitemate" websites such as M$, Nvidia, Novalogic, etc.

Not only that. After removing Kazaa, I cleaned out my computer. And just 2 [two] days ago, I cleaned out my computer again. This e-mail just arrived today.

However, I do believe that this e-mail is a possible virus waiting to be opened because it had tell-tale signs of infections [just by looking at the e-mail's subject line, To:, From:, and e-mail address, including my Anti-virus program].

Therefore, I deleted it.

Then, I have recieved another e-mail indicating that a possible "worm" is threatening to infect any on-line gamers. And I am an on-line gamer.

Is anyone else having this problem?

Yep! Sounds like spam or a virus trying to get into your computer.
For one, the FBI wouldn't send you a email, if they are watching you and you have been dealing illegally with downloading they would be at your door not your email. I don't know of to many times the FBI will warn you before breaking down your door.
You did the right thing by deleting it, for rule #1 is never open anything from something or someone you don't know.
And be causious of ones from people you do know, always scan any email before opening especially if it contains a attachment. The Klez type viruses will "steal" names from your address book and use them to get you to open a email because it will appear that it came from someone you know and trust.
And one more thing, if you do get a legitimate email from someone you know and it contains a virus, don't jump all over them because chances are they didn't know they sent it to you, thier computer may have a virus and it is spreading itself everytime they send a email with out them knowing it. Trust me, I had this happen with my Dad and regret ever acussing him of making my computer sick:)
Just be careful of what you open, scan for viruses frequently and make sure you have a firewall running and you should be pretty safe from viruses.

how does the FBI knows your the one who's downloading stuff? and how do they finally get your address?  ;)

Well to be honest and this isn't really secret, the U.S. Government has ways of knowing anything they want.
They can tell everything you have on your computer if they want, they are even known to hire "hackers" instead of throwing them in jail.
They have sattilites that can see into your home, and even zoom into something as small as a address label on a piece of mail, they can tap your phone, monitor your cell phone (actually anyone with a scanner can do that) and tell by the signal your exact location, the technology they have available to them will make finding your address as easy as telling you when was the last time you washed that pair of underwear you have on right now!
And yes this all might sound like stuff only in the movies but come on you and I know better!
Also have you ever uploaded anything to a website? Either here or anywhere? If so you know that two computers are communicating with each other (yours and theirs) and during that time of communication your computer address is flying around cyberspace for anyone who really cares to see it, as a matter of fact anytime you are connected to the web you leave yourself open for anyone to "come in and visit".
So to say the least the FBI should be the last of your worries.

Fretnstuff may be exaggerating a tad....

step 0:
delete that email
step 1:
get ad-aware
step 2:
scan the machine
step 3:
remove all the crap it detects

repeat if you feel to.

somehow they got your e-mail adress, doing the previously mentioned steps hopefully let that not happen again

I think that if any law agency is going to try to charge someone for anything, they would NOT send you an email! hahahaha

Yeah, it's a simple virus scam, just block the son of a B**** who's sending it. I learned years ago to delete&block mail from people i don't know.

Looks like I have to adjust my custom filters so that those d*mn viruses wouldn't get anywhere near my system.

I use custom filters because they are the most effective way of reducing spam and dramatically decreases the chances of being infected. Back then, my computer was so exposed to viruses that the chances of infections were like 1/2. But today, with custom filters and weekly scans, the chances have been drastically reduced to 1/100.

What these custom filters do:

Basically, they are simple programs follow your every commands.

First off, you tell them which words to look for in the subject lines.

Then you tell them what to do with it [ex: deletes it automatically].

I have up to 36 filters set up in my e-mail settings.

If a custom filter finds the indicated word in any incoming email, it will delete it without hesitating. Regardless of who or where the email came from.

Nowadays, I mainly recieve up to 3 or 4 emails per day or week [maximum].

Since I have cleaned out my computer not long ago, I have to reinstall MSN8. Right now, I am using MSN6. I have already downloaded and installed all "critical" updates using "Windows Updates".

Soon, I'll download and install the "windows" and "drivers" updates.

PS: Nvidia has released a new video driver. It's a version 53.03

If it was major, they would:


A: Call your house.

B:Have someone arrest you.

Try checking Symantec Security Response for anything about the emails you are gettings (http://securityresponse.symantec.com).

Jonathan