Spammers hitch a ride on Google Earth

In June 2008 I came across a spam that was offering Google Earth, a free beta product by Google. Why would someone other than Google promote Google Earth, a product that makes no money, I asked myself. A little digging soon provided the answer.

The links in the email take you to "new--features.net" and "now--official.com", which have no connection to Google. Both had only just been registered. Click on these links will take you to "instant-access.org" and on to "secure.signupsecurity.com" (again, no connection to Google) where you get a choice of several subscription plans, ranging from one year at $2.49 per month to three years at $12.97 per year -- for downloading a free product that these people don't even own the copyright to!

So it's an obvious scam.

You can get the real Google Earth download for free at http://earth.google.com, by the way and it's a great product which I have used too.

Sample spam:

Secret Images from Space. Real Photos from a Orbiting Satellite.

Go here to watch video

Search and find different star constellations.
Locate and find comets, asteroids and other heavenly bodies.
A new perspective from our tiny planet.

Explore the universe & our galaxy here

Find your way around town - Search schools, parks, restaurants, & hotels. Also included, driving directions.
Searchable geographic maps - Search and then zoom in! Save and share your searches with your family and friends.
View in 3D and 2D - View the entire world in 3D! Tilt and rotate 3D terrain and buildings.

Go here to visit website

Have a Great Earth Day!

Thank you for your interest,
Steven Nantel
Sales VP









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Date: Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:46:42 EDT