System Optimizers turning to Tech Support Scams

[Ink]

A new trend, which was also pointed out in our Q1 cybercrime report, is the combination of PUPs and Tech Support Scams. Most of these PUPs are so-called system optimizers. This is worrying as the damage done by PUPs was limited or we would have marked them as malware. By adding Tech Support Scams to their portfolio the possible damages have increased considerably.

Read more at System optimizers turning to Tech Support Scams | Malwarebytes

Malwarebytes: How are system optimizers combining the two?

The easiest way to spot this connection is by looking at the use of telephone numbers in the GUI of system optimizers. Get this straight, we’re not saying that every company that does this is actively out to scam its customers, but the increase of telephone numbers on applications that were installed by bundlers has been notable. And, let’s face it: why would I want to call a company that puts their software on my computer without my consent? Oh well, besides to yell at them.

But the people that make those calls in good faith, do end up paying for the potentially unwanted programs and anything else the scammers manage to sell them.

For example when one of our investigators called the number showing on the PUP working under the name “Registry Scanner” which hails from the domain lishbos[.]com –

— he was sold a two-year subscription to a “Gold Offer” from epicsofts[.]com for the amount of $99 and the remote support technician downloaded yet another “System Cleanup” utility to his system.

Of course, that utility turned out to be yet another PUP.

 

[Winter Soldier]

For example when one of our investigators called the number showing on the PUP working under the name “Registry Scanner” which hails from the domain lishbos[.]com –

The only genuine thing I see here is the quite nice UI of the "registry scanner"

 

[Game Of Thrones]

its sad and true, even many legitimate optimizer don't do good. you just need to enable the automatic temp folder cleaner of win 10 most of the time. or if you install many apps a simple registry cleaner is enough like ccleaner

 

[FrFc1908]

auslogics also has a toll free support number in gui's of their premium products. there is still much debate if this is a legitimate company or not

 

[roger_m]

auslogics also has a toll free support number in gui's of their premium products. there is still much debate if this is a legitimate company or not

Some of their products are quite good, but they are certainly not a trustworthy company in my opinion.

 

[jamescv7]

A sad reality, if a person is not been properly educated about the typical scams then it's an easy money to lure by any company.

A correct form of advertising including word of mouth should lead you on the proper tools to use.

 

[ForgottenSeer 55474]

Auslogics Defragger is Very good,but if you not buy the program,you get Boost speed nr. something as well,and if that is not enough it starts scanning right away.

 

[Janl1992l]

you just need to enable the automatic temp folder cleaner of Windows 10

How u do it mate. I never knowed something like automatic delet temp would exist in Windows. Would be amazing if u can say how u do it. would love to use it too.

 

[Ink]

There is this, but for Internet Explorer only. No one uses IE.


There is also Automatic Maintenance which keeps Windows 10 running at peak performance.

Automatic Maintenance (Windows)
How to Use Automatic Maintenance in Windows 10​

I am not really sure of anything else that @Game Of Thrones may be referring to, apart from CCleaner, but that's a third-party application.

 

[Game Of Thrones]

How u do it mate. I never knowed something like automatic delet temp would exist in Windows. Would be amazing if u can say how u do it. would love to use it too.

There is this, but for Internet Explorer only. No one uses IE.
View attachment 148175

There is also Automatic Maintenance which keeps Windows 10 running at peak performance.

Automatic Maintenance (Windows)
How to Use Automatic Maintenance in Windows 10​

View attachment 148176

I am not really sure of anything else that @Game Of Thrones may be referring to, apart from CCleaner, but that's a third-party application.

it is an option in latest windows 10(creators update) . its located in = all settings > system > storage there is a section there called storage sense turn it on and windows will erase temp files and recycle bin in a timely manner.

 

[Ink]

it is an option in latest windows 10(creators update) . its located in = all settings > system > storage there is a section there called storage sense turn it on and windows will erase temp files and recycle bin in a timely manner.

I remember it being in Windows Phone 8, but didn't expect to see back into Windows 10 desktop.

Thanks for the tip.

 

[Janl1992l]

it is an option in latest windows 10(creators update) . its located in = all settings > system > storage there is a section there called storage sense turn it on and windows will erase temp files and recycle bin in a timely manner.

Thanks you. That was helpful