A currently ongoing ransomware campaign is using a novel approach to extort money from end users whose PCs have been locked down.

By pretending to be the fake ICPP Foundation (icpp-online.com), the ransomware locks down the user’s desktop issuing a “Copyright violation: copyrighted content detected” message, which lists torrent files found on the infected PC, and forces the user to pay $400 for the copyright holder’s fine, emphasizing on the fact that “the maximum penalties can be five years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.
[…]
Gullible end users who fall victim to the scam, will then be asked to pay $399.85 for a “Legal license purchase“, “Copyright holder fine“, a “Copyright protection organization fee for the use of software tracking illegal file downloads” and a “Traffic fee“.

Basically, you’ve got a profit margin driven ransomware business model, that’s ironically charging you a fee for the development of ransomware “software” itself.




  1. bobbo, usually its really simple says:

    WTF does this mean?: “Basically, you’ve got a profit margin driven ransomware business model, that’s ironically charging you a fee for the development of ransomware “software” itself.” /// Basically you’ve got a fraudulent con game based on the fear/guilt of ignorant people who still know they have violated the law.

    It goes to the oft quoted but mostly wrong notion that “you can’t con an honest man.”

    More subtle, is how similar this con game is to the con game run by the RIAA.

  2. John E. Quantum says:

    Arrrrgh.

    http://tinyurl.com/y2mmwfh

  3. amodedoma says:

    P.T. Barnum said it best. Anyways, if you’re silly enough to use windows without adequate anti-virus/anti-trojan software you deserve to be shafted. Ubuntu is free, easy to install, and safe from most attacks.

  4. George says:

    They can’t even spell subpoena correctly.

  5. Buzz says:

    #4
    They can’t even spell subpoena correctly.

    Heck, they can’t spell ‘receive’ either

  6. SparkyOne says:

    This week only, for $400 USD I can get the spelling errors corrected for you guys. Interested?

  7. Improbus says:

    Fix the spelling error for free or I will send you a threatening letter demanding money.

  8. Joe Dirt says:

    ‘i’ before ‘e’ except after ‘c’.

  9. deowll says:

    I’m sure the RIAA would love to do this which is why all I can feel for these people is malice nor do I like the political parties and Congress Critters and Presidents that have taken money from them. They should all have a large capital T branded on them somewhere with a red hot iron. T for thief.

  10. Santa Maria says:

    Actually this is a good idea. The RIAA should have the authority to scan all computers for any suspicious files or copyrighted material. If you have not pirated anything, you have nothing to fear…

  11. qb says:

    #11 Santa Maria

    Right. You win Troll ‘o the Day.

    Thanks for playing, we have wonderful parting gifts for you. Including, the latest in watches from Speidel.

  12. Likes2LOL says:

    #8
    ‘i’ before ‘e’ except after ‘c’.

    Well, except for words with ‘weird’ spellings… 😉

  13. amodedoma says:

    #12 qb

    yeah but, #9 deowll deserves a strong second place. I thought the T branded on the forehead was particularly effective imagery.

    I’m sure they’re a couple of saintly fellows who would never think of using anything pirate, and who have never stolen anything, not even a service. The reason they’re so hateful is because they feel genuine compassion for all those starving record companies, movie studios, artists, and software developers.

    The future leaves behind those who don’t adapt, I got no compasssion for those that think that the majority should adapt to the values of the minority. When the future leaves them behind they’ll be forgotten.

  14. amodedoma says:

    #13 likes2

    Yeah, like ‘receipt’, what’s up with that word?

  15. Santa Maria says:

    @ qb

    Enjoying the stolen goods??…

  16. Urotsukidoji says:

    # 16 I know I am. And… I run Linux. So ha!

  17. Uncle Patso says:

    “… or when sounding like ‘A’
    as in ‘neighbor’ or ‘weigh.’ “

  18. Uncle Patso says:

    The English on the announcement is so bad, when I read it I imagine it being spoken in a thick Slavic accent, much like that of Boris Badenov, evil nemesis of “Moose and Squirrel.” That’s always one of the top indicators.

    The idea is a little creative, but the execution — well, if they could execute well, they’d have real jobs.


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