Junk e-mail promotions often link to sophisticated shopping web sites that offer pirated software disguised as the real thing, but for a fraction of the cost.
According to Beth Scott, Vice President of BSA EMEA:
"Unfortunately, these web sites appear legitimate, using convincing graphics and copies of manufacturers' logos, but are increasingly the vehicle of choice used by criminal organisations to dupe businesses and consumers into buying illegal software."
The BSA has issued the following, largely commonsense guidelines for those who buy software on-line:
- If you suspect an e-mail is spam, don't reply: your address may be distributed to other spammers as a result, increasing the volume of spam you receive.
- Keep your antivirus protection up-to-date: spammers may try to get personal information from your computer or use your computer to commit internet crimes.
- If possible, avoid posting your e-mail address on public sites: spammers 'trawl' public sites for e-mail addresses.
- Review the software publisher's web site: if the 'reseller' isn't listed on the manufacturer's web site as a recognised dealer, proceed with caution.
- Trust your instincts: if a price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Credit card details: as with any other type of purchase, credit card details should only be submitted once caution has been exercised.
- Beware of back-ups: take special care to avoid sellers offering 'back-up' copies, which constitute copyright infringement.
- Steer clear of compilations: avoid compilations of software titles from different publishers on a single CD.
- Do your homework: look for a feedback section on the site and look for comments about the seller based on previous transactions. Keep in mind that a clean complaint record doesn't always ensure that you will receive a genuine product. If in doubt, conduct 'general' web searches about the site in order to determine its legitimacy.
- Get the seller's address, if possible: Remember that if you cannot re-contact the seller, you may have no recourse if the product turns out to be pirated. If you can't find the seller's address, be suspicious.
- Keep receipts: print out a copy of your order number and sales confirmation and keep them at least until your software arrives in satisfactory condition.
- Report piracy: buyers suspecting software piracy, counterfeit software and/or fraud should contact law enforcement agencies or the BSA.