Most software developers offer upgrades to their programs from time to time to give users access to their latest creations. When scammers learn of new software releases, they too may proclaim interest in getting it into the hands of users, but with a far darker actual intent.
When Microsoft released Windows 10 for free, scammers latched onto the opportunity to install their own computer program onto the computers of unsuspecting individuals. To accomplish this goal, scammers sent emails pretending to be from the well-known and respected software giant, offering email recipients the chance to download the latest version of Windows before anyone else. When people eager to receive the software clicked on the link embedded in the email to download it, they actually downloaded a program that locked their computers.
The software, known as ransomware, blocked access to victims’ computers until they paid a fee to have it unlocked by the scammer. Once a victim pays the ransom, the scammer may or may not unlock the computer. Either way, victims were either out hundreds of dollars each, lost all their personal files, or both, making the free software upgrade a very costly download.
To prevent this from happening to you, NEVER click on a link or download a file in an email unless you’re expecting it from the person sending it. If you want to download software from a developer, go directly to the developer’s site to do it. Always keep your guard up against deceptive emails from criminals or your data and cash may end up in their hands.