<update>
18th March 2008 - I've been neglecting this list, but after some people commented about Google Earth scams, I've now updated, adding around 360 websites
</update>
OK, so when I started writing this, I figured....meh....30 minutes perhaps to get the details together. 3 cigarettes, 2 coffees and a whole lot of finger cramp later I'm still here, tapping away. Because of this extra effort that almost felt like actual work, I'd be keen to hear any comments also in particular if I've missed any sites relevant to this, please let me know and I'll keep the listed updated.
Here's another scam, and though it's been around for a while, I thought it was worth a mention in the blog. Also the search results for some of these websites isn’t revealing immediate information that they are obviously scams, so maybe this blog post will move up those search rankings enough to help people to be wary.
<propaganda>
Or convince you to try SiteHound
</propaganda>
The basic premise of these scams is that they will sell you software that is already freely available....*sigh*.....but they’ll do so under the disguise of offering technical support, perhaps offering a “lifetime” license or “Gold Package”, or worse yet, bundling some other crappy programs together so you feel like you are getting a bargain. However they have no such agreement with the actual software publisher to do this, nor do they truly intend to provide you with much more than a credit card charge.
So I hear you ask "Sweet, that sounds like a real good deal, what kind of free stuff can I pay for, and where can I find this stuff?"
Well gentle reader, it ranges from the good stuff, to the not so good stuff. It's also remarkable how much stuff is out there.
"Stuff it" you say "That's too much work!"
OK then, here's a list.
AdAware scam sites
Acrobat Reader and Adobe Illustrator scam sites
http://www.8-free.com
http://www.acrobat-2007.com
http://www.acrobat-8.com
http://www.acrobat-bundle.com
http://www.acrobat-center.com
http://www.acrobat-download.com
http://www.acrobat-hq.com
http://www.acrobat-ib.com
http://www.acrobat-reader-8.de
http://www.acrobat-reader-ib.com
http://www.acrobat-software.net
http://www.acrobat-stop.com
http://www.acrobatdownload-ib.com
http://www.acrobatreader-8.com
http://www.adobe-acrobat.us
http://www.adobe-acrobat-8.com
http://www.adobe-download-now.com
http://www.adobe-reader-8.co.uk
http://www.adobe-reader-8.fr
http://www.adobe-reader-downloads.com
http://www.adobe-reader-soft.com
http://www.adobeacrobat-7.com
http://www.adobeacrobat-8.com
http://www.adobebundle.com
http://www.adobepack.com
http://www.adobereaderdown-load.info
http://www.adobereadersoft.com
http://www.download-acrobat-8.com
http://www.download-adobe-acrobat.com
http://www.downloadzcenter.com
http://www.free-adobe-download-support.com
http://www.free-program-download.com
http://www.get-acrobat.com
http://www.get-acrobatreader-now.com
http://www.official-downloads.com
http://www.pdf-8.com
http://www.pdf-format.com
http://www.pdf-reader.com
http://www.pdfultrahome.com
http://www.photoshop-hq.net
http://www.photoshop-stop.com
http://www.software-club.com
http://www.telechargement-officiel.com
http://www.telecharger-acrobat-8.com
http://www.telecharger-adobe-acrobat.com
http://www.thepdfpack.com
AntiVir AntiVirus scam sites
Ares scam sites
Avast scam sites
AVG scam sites
http://www.anti-virus-2009.com
http://www.antivirus-2007.com
http://www.antivirus-home.com
http://www.antivirus-hq.net
http://www.antivirusbundle.com
http://www.antivirusoutlet.com
http://www.avg-anti-virus.net
http://www.avg-antivirus-pro.com
http://www.avg-bundle.com
http://www.avg-download-now.com
http://www.avg-download.us
http://www.avg-hq.com
http://www.avg-pro-antivirus.com
http://www.avg-pro.com
http://www.avgbundle.com
http://www.avglive.com
http://www.avgprofessional.com
http://www.download-avg-free.com
http://www.download-avg-now.com
http://www.download-me.info
http://www.free-avg.org
http://www.pack-avg.com
http://www.theavgpack.com
Avira AntiVir scam sites
Azureus scam sites
BearShare scam sites
http://www.360-share-music.com
http://www.bearshare-download.org
http://www.bearshare-downloads.net
http://www.bearshare-freebie.com
http://www.bearshare-music-downloads.com
http://www.bearshare-software-download.com
http://www.bearshare-uk.com
http://www.bearshare-usa.com
http://www.bearsharefrance.com
http://www.bearsharelive.co.uk
http://www.bearsharelive.com
http://www.bearshareunlimited.com
http://www.bearsharepro2007.com
http://www.free-bearshares.com
http://www.mp3bearshare.com
BitComet scam sites
BitLord scam sites
BitTorent scam sites
Blubster scam sites
Defender AntiVirus scam sites
DivX scam sites
DVD Shrink scam sites
http://www.download-dvdshrink.com
http://www.download-dvdshrink.org
http://www.dvd-shrink.us
http://www.dvdshrink-download-now.com
http://www.dvdshrink-hq.com
http://www.dvdshrink-site.com
http://www.dvdshrink-stop.com
http://www.dvdshrink2008.com
http://www.getdvdshrink2007.com
http://www.shrink-2009.com
eDonkey scam sites
eMule scam sites
http://www.e-mulesite.com
http://www.emule-freebie.com
http://www.emule-software-download.com
http://www.emule2008.com
http://www.emuledownload.co.uk
http://www.emuledownloadhome.com
http://www.emuledownloadsite.com
http://www.emulefrancedownload.com
http://www.emulepro2007.com
http://www.pack-emule.com
eXeem scam sites
Firefox scam sites
Google Earth scam sites
http://www.earth-2008-countries.com
http://www.earth-2008-explore.com
http://www.earth-2008-globe.com
http://www.earth-2008-info.org
http://www.earth-2008-online.com
http://www.earth-2008-planets.com
http://www.earth-2008-satellite.org
http://www.earth-explorer-2008.com
http://www.earth-explorer.org
http://www.get-google-earth.info
http://www.google-earth-soft.info
Grokster scam sites
ICQ scam sites
iMesh scam sites
iSwipe scam sites
IncrediMail scam sites
InfranView scam sites
Internet Explorer scam sites
iPod or iTunes scam sites
http://www.downloads-to-ipod.com
http://www.easyipodsdownloads.com
http://www.easyipodsmovies.com
http://www.easyitunes.com
http://www.ezipoddownloadz.com
http://www.fill-your-ipod.com
http://www.fill-your-mp3player.com
http://www.get-i-tunes.com
http://www.get-ipod-music.com
http://www.get-itunes-2007.com
http://www.get-itunes-ipods.com
http://www.hot-itunes.com
http://www.ipod-music-store.com
http://www.ipod-tunes-download.com
http://www.i-tunes-downloads-au.com
http://www.i-tunes-downloads-ca.com
http://www.i-tunes-downloads-ie.com
http://www.i-tunes-downloads-uk.com
http://www.i-tunes-downloads-za.com
http://www.i-tunes-downloads.com
http://www.i-tunes-now.com
http://www.imusic-tunes.com
http://www.instant-itunes.com
http://www.ipod-wizard.com
http://www.ipodproffessional.com
http://www.ireviewtunes.com
http://www.itune-download.com
http://www.itunes-online.com
http://www.itunes-uk.com
http://www.itunesfreebies.com
http://www.itunesfreepro.com
http://www.master-your-mp3player.com
http://www.moviesonipods.com
http://www.mp3-music-source.com
http://www.mp3player-downloads.com
http://www.mp3player-wizard.com
http://www.myitunesfree.com
http://www.mytunesreview.com
http://www.stuff-your-ipod.com
http://www.telechargez-itunes.com
http://www.telechargezitunes.com
http://www.tunesandipods.com
http://www.tunesandpods.com
http://www.tunesforipod.com
http://www.www-free-tunes.com
http://www.your-itunes.com
http://www.yourtunes-player.com
Kazaa scam sites
kLite or Kazaa Lite scam sites
LimeWire scam sites
http://www.all-downloads-now.com
http://www.all-limewire.com
http://www.download-limewire.org
http://www.free-download-now.net
http://www.free-get-it.com
http://www.free-limewire-now.com
http://www.get-mp3-onlined.com
http://www.limewire-download.org
http://www.limewire-downloading.com
http://www.limewire-freebie.com
http://www.limewire-mp3-share.com
http://www.limewire-p2p.com
http://www.limewire-software.com
http://www.limewire-unlimited.com
http://www.limewire-usa.com
http://www.limewirefrance.com
http://www.limewireliveonline.com
http://www.limewirenetwork.com
http://www.limewirepro2007.info
http://www.limewireuk.com
http://www.limewireunlimited.com
http://www.limewirezone.com
http://www.mp3limewire.com
http://www.mylimewirenetwork.com
http://www.p2p-freebie.com
http://www.start-downloading.com
http://www.thelimewiredownload.com
http://www.www-limewire-pro-2007.com
Lost TV Show scam sites
McAfee AntiVirus scam sites
Mac software scam sites
Morpheus scam sites
MSN Messenger scam sites
MusicMatch scam sites
Nero Burning Rom scam sites
Netscape scam sites
Norton AntiVirus scam sites
Opera scam sites
Outlook Express scam sites
OverNet scam sites
PaintShop Pro Express scam sites
Panda AntiVirus scam sites
http://www.downloadpanda.com
http://www.panda-hq.com
http://www.panda-ib.com
http://www.panda-internet-security.com
http://www.panda-now.com
http://www.panda-stop.com
http://www.panda-virus-protection.com
http://www.pandaantivirus-ib.com
http://www.pandasecuritysoftware.com
http://www.pandasecuritysuite.com
Picasa scam sites
Power DVD scam sites
Prison Break TV Show scam sites
Quicktime scam sites
Real Player scam sites
RoboForm scam sites
Shareaza scam site
Skype scam sites
SoulSeek scam sites
SpyBot Search and Destroy scam sites
uTorrent scam sites
WavePad scam sites
WinAmp scam sites
Windows Media Player scam sites
WinDVD scam sites
WinMX scam sites
http://www.all-winmx.com
http://www.download-winmx.com
http://www.fixwinmx.com
http://www.mp3winmx.com
http://www.winmx-free-download.com
http://www.winmx-freebie.com
http://www.winmx-music-download.com
http://www.winmx-uk.com
http://www.winmx-usa.com
http://www.winmxlive.com
http://www.winmxunlimited.com
http://www.www-win-mx.com
WinRar scam sites
WinZip scam sites
ZoneAlarm scam sites
Zune scam sites
These are more generic scam sites, but some have special pages tailored for specific programs
http://www.1-866-software.com
http://www.2007download.net
http://www.albums-from-hel.co.uk
http://www.all-downloads-now.com
http://www.allfreemovie.com
http://www.antivirus-stop.com
http://www.antivirusoutlet.com
http://www.beste-downloads.com
http://www.bundlepacks.com
http://www.cashcownetworks.com
http://www.click-to-download.com
http://www.club-logiciel.com
http://www.codecs-2009.com
http://www.cyber-tv-partner.com
http://www.cybertv-partner.com
http://www.cybertvpartner.com
http://www.desktop-2009.com
http://www.download-2007.com
http://www.download-advisor.com
http://www.download-all-4-free.com
http://www.download-all-area.com
http://www.download-arena.com
http://www.download-for-free.net
http://www.download-here.info
http://www.download-it-free.com
http://www.download-this.us
http://www.download-zone-free.com
http://www.downloadanysong.com
http://www.downloadcorporation.com
http://www.downloadfreesoft.com
http://www.downloadfreeway.com
http://www.downloadhome.net
http://www.downloadingall.com
http://www.downloaditfree.com
http://www.downloads-free.biz
http://www.downloads-free.org
http://www.downloads-free.us
http://www.downloadservicearea.com
http://www.downloadsglobe.com
http://www.downloadshome.com
http://www.downloadshouse.com
http://www.downloadwizard.com
http://www.downloadzfree.com
http://www.downloadznow.net
http://www.downloadzsoftware.com
http://www.easysoftwaredownloads.com
http://www.easysoftwares.com
http://www.excellentlogiciel.com
http://www.fastfreedownload.com
http://www.free-download-center.com
http://www.free-download-centre.com
http://www.free-download-place.com
http://www.free-download-support.com
http://www.free-music-page.com
http://www.free-music-share.com
http://www.free-music-shared.com
http://www.free-program-download.com
http://www.free-software-access.com
http://www.free-software-center.com
http://www.freedownloadhq.com
http://www.freedownloadpage.com
http://www.freedownloadzone.com
http://www.freemp3access.com
http://www.freemp3musicaccess.com
http://www.freemusicwave.com
http://www.freesoftdownloadz.com
http://www.freesoftwareaccess.com
http://www.fullsoftwaredownloadz.com
http://www.getanysoftware.com
http://www.getfreedownloadz.com
http://www.getmusictunes.com
http://www.grab-it-today.net
http://www.helpmedownload.com
http://www.internationaltvnetworks.com
http://www.internet-explorer-software.com
http://www.itzeasydownloads.com
http://www.itzfreemp3downloads.com
http://www.lets-get-it.info
http://www.lets-get-it.net
http://www.logitheque-web.com
http://www.macphexunlimited.com
http://www.maybelfire.com
http://www.migliori-programmi.com
http://www.mp3-music-source.com
http://www.mp3-muzic.com
http://www.mp3downloadhq.com
http://www.mp3helpdesk.com
http://www.mp3how.com
http://www.mp3mouth.com
http://www.mp3musichq.com
http://www.mp3musiclive.com
http://www.mp3musiczone.com
http://www.musicmembersarea.com
http://www.musiqueillimite.com
http://www.my-music-space.com
http://www.my-software-center.com
http://www.my-software-space.com
http://www.mydownloadsite.net
http://www.mydownloadsource.com
http://www.myfreetvshow.com
http://www.mymusicaccessories.com
http://www.mysoftwarecentral.com
http://www.mysoftwaredownloads.com
http://www.netfreemusic.com
http://www.nettvbroadcasts.com
http://www.ordersignup.com
http://www.pcsecurityreview.com
http://www.people-tracer.com
http://www.portable-music.com
http://www.proxypac.com
http://www.quick-people-finder.com
http://www.quickiefilez.com
http://www.realmp3music.com
http://www.realmusicnow.com
http://www.recordspartner.com
http://www.software-hq.net
http://www.sugateway.com
http://www.thedownloadcompany.com
http://www.themoviesmembersarea.com
http://www.thesoftwarearea.com
http://www.thesoftwareprovider.com
http://www.top-free-downloads.com
http://www.top-software-downloads.com
http://www.topsoftware-reviews.com
http://www.tutorial-hq.com
http://www.tv-4-pc.com
http://www.tvsatellitepourpc.com
http://www.whichmusicsite.com
http://www.www-audacity.com
http://www.xtremesoftware-ltd.com
Unsorted scam sites, but likely are related in some way
http://www.10-free.com
http://www.11-free.com
http://www.2007-free.com
http://www.2008-free.com
http://www.2008-link.com
http://www.2008-security.com
http://www.3500-tv-channels.com
http://www.3500tvchannels.com
http://www.8-free.com
http://www.8freedownload.com
http://www.9-free.com
http://www.allcriminalrecords.com
http://www.anti-virus-free.net
http://www.antivirus-2007.net
http://www.antivirus-2008.net
http://www.antivirus-link.com
http://www.antivirus2008.net
http://www.antivirus2k7.com
http://www.antivirus2k8.com
http://www.antivirus4-7.com
http://www.antivirus4-8.com
http://www.antivirus4-9.com
http://www.antivirus5-0.com
http://www.antiviruscritics.com
http://www.anyworldtv.com
http://www.australian-ancestry.com
http://www.australiapeoplerecords.com
http://www.backgroundcheck-it.com
http://www.bestemaillive.com
http://www.bestpdf4you.com
http://www.bouquet-satellite.com
http://www.california-records.com
http://www.cashwhelm.com
http://www.cashwhelm.net
http://www.clean-my-computer.com
http://www.clean-program-traces.com
http://www.clean-registry-now.com
http://www.cleanup-utility.com
http://www.comuptercleaningsystem.com
http://www.criminal-search.com
http://www.downloadlink-2007.com
http://www.downloadlink-2008.com
http://www.downloadlink-2009.com
http://www.easy-pdf-creator.com
http://www.easypdf4u.com
http://www.erase-old-programs.com
http://www.fastpcerrorfree.com
http://www.fix-my-dell.com
http://www.free-2008.com
http://www.free-2009.com
http://www.free-from-errors.com
http://www.free-version.net
http://www.full-version.net
http://www.get-pdf.com
http://www.gov-agencies.com
http://www.gov-agencies.net
http://www.gov-agencies.org
http://www.gov-agencies.us
http://www.gov-search.org
http://www.hoseofcash.com
http://www.hoseofcash.net
http://www.ib-tv.com
http://www.ib-tv2.com
http://www.ib-tv3.com
http://www.ib-tv4.com
http://www.ibtvsoftware.com
http://www.ibwebtv.com
http://www.marketplacewealth.com
http://www.marketplacewealth.net
http://www.migliortv.com
http://www.moneywhelm.com
http://www.moneywhelm.net
http://www.national-phone-registry.org
http://www.newemailmarket.com
http://www.office-ultra.com
http://www.officiale-mail.com
http://www.online-tv-player.net
http://www.panda-download.com
http://www.panda-security-2007.com
http://www.panda-virus-protection.com
http://www.pandasecurity-2008.com
http://www.pandasecurity2007.com
http://www.pc-wiper.com
http://www.pcinventorypack.com
http://www.pcoptimizerpack.com
http://www.pcoptimizerpackage.com
http://www.pdf-2008-online.com
http://www.pdf-2008.net
http://www.pdf-aff.com
http://www.pdf-aff2.com
http://www.pdf-desk.com
http://www.pdf-documents.com
http://www.pdf-expert.com
http://www.pdf-expert.net
http://www.pdf-files-2008.com
http://www.pdf-format.com
http://www.pdf-free.com
http://www.pdf-ib.com
http://www.pdf-live.com
http://www.pdf-office-2008.com
http://www.pdf-office-2009.com
http://www.pdf-pro-2008.com
http://www.pdf-pro-office.com
http://www.pdf-redirect.com
http://www.pdf-soft-ib.com
http://www.pdf-solution.com
http://www.pdf-studio.net
http://www.pdf-suite-2008.com
http://www.pdf-suite-2009.com
http://www.pdf-suite.com
http://www.pdf-writer-reader.com
http://www.people-look-up.com
http://www.people-lookup.org
http://www.people-tracker.org
http://www.people-tracker.us
http://www.pro-protection.com
http://www.pro-version.net
http://www.quad-antispyware.com
http://www.quad-antivirus.com
http://www.quad-av.com
http://www.quad-backup.com
http://www.quad-cleaner.com
http://www.quad-firewall.com
http://www.quad-lab.com
http://www.quad-labs.com
http://www.quad-office.com
http://www.quad-optimizer.com
http://www.quad-privacy.com
http://www.quad-registrycleaner.com
http://www.quad-secure.com
http://www.quad-security.com
http://www.quad-software.com
http://www.quad-suite.com
http://www.quad-uneraser.com
http://www.quad-utilities.com
http://www.quadantispyware.com
http://www.quadantivirus.com
http://www.quadcleaner.com
http://www.quadregistrycleaner.com
http://www.records-ib.com
http://www.registry-clean-now.com
http://www.registry-clean-utility.com
http://www.registrycleaningtool.com
http://www.registrycleaningutility.com
http://www.registrycleantool.com
http://www.registrysystem-cleaner.com
http://www.safewithpanda.com
http://www.saygoodbyetoerrors.com
http://www.search-agencies.com
http://www.search-agencies.net
http://www.search-agencies.org
http://www.search-agencies.us
http://www.smudgefreewindows.com
http://www.soft-bank.org
http://www.soft-cash.biz
http://www.software-pck.com
http://www.software-pck2.com
http://www.software-pck3.com
http://www.software-pck4.com
http://www.softzone-2007.com
http://www.softzone-2008.com
http://www.softzone-2009.com
http://www.tele-pc-it.com
http://www.tele-su-pc.com
http://www.the-sports-network.com
http://www.tivu-su-pc.com
http://www.tv-en-ligne.net
http://www.tv-membership.com
http://www.tv-mundial.com
http://www.tv-player-pro.com
http://www.tv-su-web.com
http://www.tv-sul-pc.com
http://www.tv-sul-web.com
http://www.tv360-it.com
http://www.tviewplayer.com
http://www.tvparatupc.com
http://www.tvplayerpro.com
http://www.unlimited-records.com
http://www.unlimited-tv-channels.com
http://www.unlimited-tv.net
http://www.us-tvnetwork.com
http://www.ustvnetwork.net
http://www.version-pro.com
http://www.versione-2008.com
http://www.virusscan2007.com
http://www.virusscan2k7.com
http://www.virusscan2k8.com
http://www.virusscanxp.com
http://www.wash-my-windows.com
http://www.window-scrubber.com
http://www.windows-optimizer-pack.com
http://www.windowsoptimizerpack.com
http://www.writeyourpdf.com
http://www.youribtv.com
The best site to save money
You sir, are an idiot. So
You sir, are an idiot. So much of an idiot that you either deserve to get scammed like this, or you have some involvement with this website and you are trying to pretend you are a regular person.
For any readers....the website "Anonymous" is trying to talk about is http://www.thelimewiredownload.com
Which as you can see is in the list above. This website is misleading, it's providing a service that nobody needs. If you aren't computer savvy and want help, there are free services that do so. Heck, I'd even help you with computer problems if you asked nicely.
For example, take the official and proper LimeWire website, www.limewire.com
They have a user guide, frequently asked questions, and a support forum, where you can get help from other LimeWire users.
http://www.limewire.com/support/
So no "Anonymous" the website you found isn't any good. It doesn't provide a useful service, it doesn't give you any special access or things that are useful. It's a rip off designed to trick users into thinking they are getting value for money, when they could have gotten exactly the same, but for free.
I like the fact that a guy
IN GOOGLE (sorry...
Hi Chris, What gets me is
Ahh found this to late. My
Reference Software-Hq, it is
yep, I was totally duped by
Hey...the same thing with
Call the Credit Card
www.adwarealert.com is scam
Thanks, have added this site
I googled
That sucks....50 quid is no
That sucks....50 quid is no small amount. I assume you paid by Credit Card so you can also try calling your Credit Card provider and explain the situation to them as they may be able to intiate a Charge Back.
I also got sucked into the
I also fell for the Google
www.mysoftwareprovider is so
I also fell for the same
Yeah, I got also scammed
Found this page too late to
i found out to late what can
we were taken in by
WoW what great service... i
I have fallen for
Ref: software-hq.net My dad
i bought the upgrade to nero
THANKS FOR THE LIST.... I AM
If you paid by Credit Card,
There is another scam (at
Hi Stacy I've had similar
Suggest if you have problems
i do not even what this web
Hiya, thanks for list; I'd
Thanks for providing a great
Other Ares Scam
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