| I'm sure that you have received an email stating | | | | 4) Software is basically a "what you see is what |
| that you can purchase name brand software | | | | you get". You got it, no upgrades. |
| cheap. As a matter of fact, I received such an | | | | 5) The software could have a virus installed with |
| email the other day. They call this type of | | | | the software. As a matter of fact, illegal software |
| software OEM software. But is it legal? And most | | | | has been one major source for causing damage |
| important, how can you spot a software scam? | | | | to computer systems and data. |
| Software Scams | | | | Example of possible virus download: An individual |
| These are some of the "sounds too good to be | | | | worker found a Pacman game (though not illegal |
| true" warning signs: | | | | to obtain) on the Internet while surfing the net at |
| 1. Prices are below most reputable online sellers -- | | | | home and decided to download the game onto a |
| such as | | | | floppy to play it at work during the slow times. |
| 2. If the webmaster is telling you the reasons | | | | Just as an added bonus to his benign neglect, he |
| why they are legal -- may not be. | | | | didn't do a virus check on the floppy to make |
| 3. If there is a statement that says "you give up | | | | sure the game was clean. He took it to work, |
| the right for a chargeback" (chargeback -- a | | | | popped the floppy into his hard-drive and blindly |
| return of the product, and thus, the return of | | | | downloaded the game to play it at his leisure. Low |
| your money to your pocket). Or, here is a really | | | | and behold -- Pacman game came with Pacman |
| scary statement that they may have in small | | | | virus. That happy little critter slowly began to eat |
| print -- that they can counter-sue you for any | | | | away at the hard-drive. Results of his actions, |
| chargebacks you may put into action against | | | | downtime and lost productivity for the company. |
| them. | | | | Worker -- a week of lost wages for the |
| 4. If you have to use a special number -- no not | | | | indiscretion. |
| the registration number -- more than likely it is an | | | | 6) You could face penalties for using illegal |
| illegal version. | | | | software -- which can be significant. |
| 5. Registration -- sellers says the software cannot | | | | When is it not illegal? |
| be registered. | | | | Oem software is illegal when it is not used |
| 6. No warranty offered. | | | | according to the software license agreement. |
| These are the obvious signs that this software | | | | In most cases, OEM software is legal when it is |
| could be illegal. Always take the time too look at | | | | distributed with specified accompanying hardware. |
| "Whois" to see how long a retailer has been online: | | | | If the OEM software is legitimate, don't expect |
| 1) less than a year -- first warning sign 2) only has | | | | user manuals, original retail packaging of the |
| an IP address with no name, address, etc. -- | | | | software, or the technical support that is usually |
| second warning sign. | | | | provided by the hardware provider. |
| What If I Get It Anyway? | | | | Where to Report Software Piracy. |
| Maybe you're saying to yourself, "Surely it can't | | | | You can report any software piracy issues to the |
| hurt. And it's so cheap!" That's the draw. But it | | | | BSA ( -- Business Software Alliance. |
| can open you to some of the following problems: | | | | On the Internet, temptations are everywhere, so |
| 1) Credit Card scam | | | | it's important to learn what is legal and what is |
| 2) No technical support | | | | not, so you can protect yourself, your data, or |
| 3) No manuals | | | | your business. |