$1 million spyware case
p2pnet.net News:- New York’s Secure Computer is to pay the price for sending computer users fake messages claiming their systems were infected with viruses.
And the price is $1 million, the amount of a Washington settlement, resolving the state’s first computer spyware lawsuit, says Associated Press.
After making the false claims, Secure Computer then sold the computer users software said to fix the problems and, “That violated the Computer Spyware Act”.
More than 1,140 Washington residents who’d bought Secure Computer’s Spyware Cleaner software or in some cases, Popup Padlock, are eligible for refunds under the agreement filed in federal court last week, says the story, adding:
“Under the consent decree signed in Seattle by U.S. District Court Judge Ricardo Martinez, Secure Computer and company President Paul E. Burke agreed to pay $200,000 in civil penalties, $75,000 in restitution for consumers, and $725,000 in state attorneys’ fees and costs.”
If you believe you’re eligible for refunds, file a complaint with the attorney general’s office online, or call 1-800-551-4636 to request a form or additional information.
Also See:
Associated Press – Washington state settles for $1 million in spyware case, December 4, 2006
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December 6th, 2006 at 7:44 pm
$725,000 in state attorneys’ fees and costs
$200,000 in civil penalties
$75,000 in restitution
The victims barely get anything. The state government cleans up even though it is not a victim of the crime. It’s no wonder people are fed up with government.