Beware of fake emails from MSN or Microsoft

The latest email getting spread around is one that looks like it is from MSN Featured Offers, with the sender being admin@microsoft.com. The body of the email should look similar to the following:

Subject: Internet Explorer 7

Download the latest version!

About this mailing:
You are receiving this e-mail because you subscribed to MSN Featured Offers. Microsoft respects your privacy. If you do not wish to receive this MSN Featured Offers e-mail, please click the “Unsubscribe” link below. This will not unsubscribe you from e-mail communications from third-party advertisers that may appear in MSN Feature Offers. This shall not constitute an offer by MSN. MSN shall not be responsible or liable for the advertisers’ content nor any of the goods or service advertised. Prices and item availability subject to change without notice.

�2008 Microsoft | Unsubscribe | More Newsletters |
Privacy

Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way , Redmond ,
WA 98052

Well unfortunately, if you click on the download link to download the file, it is actually a nasty piece of “malware” (malicious software) that will install itself, called XP Antivirus 2008. This is a fake program that tries to get you to buy it, and it will essentially take your credit card information, charge you bogus charges, and still the program does nothing, as it’s simply meant to get your money. I have read several reports of people actually purchasing the program for it’s price of $39.99 or similar, yet getting charged for $100.00 or more.

Be very cautious everyone, delete any suspicious emails immediately.

Please read more in depth information about this threat at the following security websites:

http://pandasecurityus.wordpress.com/2008/08/07/fake-ie-70-update-full-analysis/

Another fake email that looks like it’s from CNN, that links to the infamous XP Antivirus 2008:
http://pandasecurityus.wordpress.com/2008/08/08/cnn-alerts-new-malcode-antivirus-xp-2008/
And another about a fake Adobe Flash player update, that tries to download malware:
http://isc.sans.org/diary.html?storyid=3024