Beware of p2p scam sites
Scam Sites – a new threat to p2p
By Thomas Mennecke – Slyck
The RIAA and MPAA have been a constant threat in the P2P world. While they pose some danger to the activities of online users, it is one that can be sufficiently handled with the proper application of intellect. Even to new comers in the file-sharing world, it is hard to escape the media blitz the RIAA’s lawsuit campaign is receiving.
Looking to avoid potentially devastating RIAA lawsuits, many individuals have been duped into paying for P2P software that is already free. The most infamous of these scams is Kazaa Gold. Kazaa Gold is basically the Kazaa Media Desktop Pro version that someone downloaded, then offer the software for a ridiculous price of $39.95.
While Kazaa has been corrupted most frequently by unscrupulous individuals, other P2P software such as WinMX has also been bastardized. If you follow the link, one will notice that one can pay up to $22.95 for access to already free networks such as eDonkey2000, Morpheus, Grokster, Limewire. These website are also cunning as they display shameful quotes such as "The real legal download source on [the] Internet", or "100% legal". While file-sharing software is indeed legal, the copyright variable is typically tucked away.
So far, the only P2P network to make any kind of effort to eliminate this deceptive software is Sharman Networks. Last year, Sharman sent Google a DMCA violation notice to remove links to Kazaa Gold. The effort was initially successful, however if one was to conduct a search for Kazaa Gold today, numerous results to this ghastly software still exists.
WinMX has become perhaps the second most violated program. Considering the lack of updates and little information on the official WinMX website, those looking for an update may easily fall for one of the many scamware sites. The link in this paragraphs’ example is available for $14.95. Unfortunately, FrontCode Technologies (the legitimate intellectual property rights owner of WinMX) has made zero effort to combat this issue.
The most frightening aspect of these scamware sites is their proliferation. As more people become aware of the RIAA’s lawsuits, individuals are becoming victim to the allure of such phrases as "100% legal."
With Google’s “hear no evil, see no evil” policy, the only way these programs can be combated is by the P2P developers. P2P United, who claims to stand up for the file-sharing community, can make tremendous strides in gaining public favor by aggressively pursuing such scam sites that victimize not only the users, but also the members of this lobby group. It is indeed an odd situation that Sharman Networks has been the only file-sharing company to make any kind of effort in this arena.
April 30th, 2004 at 11:30 pm
Hey Jon… guess who… I’m here to point out the ad/link to “get-morpheus.com” located on the home page of P2PNET.net (not to be confused with the legitimate link to download Morpheus on the same page). As far as I can see it’s just the kind of scam site this story talks about. Just a little warning to anyone who cares to pay attention (and NOT pay scammers).
May 2nd, 2004 at 12:38 am
While viewing this very article, I thought it almost humorous that, in the “Ads by Google” section on the left, there were several ads for “100% legal” versions of K-lite and such.
May 2nd, 2004 at 8:45 am
Which One? P2P Software
Get Legal for Only $19.95. Compare MP3Advance, K-Lite, DCMoviez, etc.
ironic isnt it?
July 17th, 2004 at 12:17 am
installed a new hard drive copied kazaa gold to disk cant get on
November 4th, 2004 at 11:13 pm
I have just joined kaza gold. I think I have been scammed can anyone help me. I thought I was joining Kazaa gold. Just a difference in the spelling. Itmakes me so mad to think I have been had. do hope someone replies thankyou
November 21st, 2004 at 8:33 am
Same here paid $24.95au It doesn’t work
February 3rd, 2005 at 4:11 pm
thank
February 15th, 2005 at 11:35 pm
I, too, fell for the same scam with the Kaza gold & instead of Kazaa gold.
Now, I am getting all kinds of phone calls about info request that were supposably filled out by me. I did not fill out those request & I’m sure it has to do with the kaza gold membership.
March 11th, 2005 at 10:04 pm
just done the same thing mate. thank god I only paid for the year membership are my credit card details safe/
March 30th, 2005 at 6:02 pm
Hello,
I’m a legal representative for Kaza Gold and I assure you that we never sale your information to other companies and any sales calls you have received have nothing to do with our company.
To call a company a scam is a serious accusation. You are currently engaging in slander. I suggest you take measures to remove this posting immediately.
Thank you
March 30th, 2005 at 6:02 pm
Hello,
I’m a legal representative for Kaza Gold and I assure you that we never sell your information to other companies and any sales calls you have received have nothing to do with our company.
To call a company a scam is a serious accusation. You are currently engaging in slander. I suggest you take measures to remove this posting immediately.
Thank you
April 13th, 2005 at 6:15 pm
Cry me a river; boo hoo
May 10th, 2005 at 4:53 am
Screw you.
April 13th, 2006 at 6:55 pm
Hey what’s up guys I just found this great site MyKazaaGold.com for music downloads, I have pretty much tried them all and this one has worked great for me. It not only connects fast every time. I only had to pay a one time fee and I got unlimited music and movie download without all the garbage that I picked up from other sites. Zero Spyware on this one. I was able to fill up my iPOD with no problems
April 18th, 2006 at 4:26 pm
Hey what’s up guys I just found this great website for music downloads called My kazaa Gold, I have pretty much tried them all and this one has worked great for me. I only had to pay a one time fee and I got unlimited movie and music download without all the garbage that I picked up from other sites. That is another reason why I love this site, it is no polluted with a bunch of porn and viruses. It doesn’t matter to me what other poeple say about this site, it has worked greta for me and its worth every penny
April 8th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
I have used Kazaa Gold for 2 1/2 years now and have never had a problem. Paid one time and now have a lifetime membership. Bought a new computer went to the website signed in and was able to redownload all my music:) Will not swith ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!