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 		Software Scams --
To Cheap To Be True?

By Vickie J Scanlon





I'm sure that you have received an email stating that you can purchase name brand software cheap. As a matter of fact, I received such an email the other day. They call this type of software OEM software. But is it legal? And most important, how can you spot a software scam?


Software Scams

These are some of the "sounds too good to be true" warning signs:

1. Prices are below most reputable online sellers -- such as Amazon.com.
2. If the webmaster is telling you the reasons why they are legal -- may not be.
3. If there is a statement that says "you give up the right for a chargeback" (chargeback -- a return of the product, and thus, the return of your money to your pocket). Or, here is a really scary statement that they may have in small print -- that they can counter-sue you for any chargebacks you may put into action against them.
4. If you have to use a special number -- no not the registration number -- more than likely it is an illegal version.
5. Registration -- sellers say the software cannot be registered.
6. No warranty offered.

These are the obvious signs that this software could be illegal. Always take the time too look at "Whois" to see how long a retailer has been online: 1) less than a year -- first warning sign 2) only has an IP address with no name, address, etc. -- second warning sign.

What If I Get It Anyway?

Cheap Software-is it real? But are you really asking yourself, "Surely it can't hurt. And it's so cheap!" That's the draw.

But it can open you to some of the following problems:
1) Credit Card scam
2) No technical support
3) No manuals
4) Software is basically a "what you see is what you get". You got it, no upgrades. 5) The software could have a virus installed with the software. As a matter of fact, illegal software has been one major source for causing damage to computer systems and data.

Example of possible virus download: A individual was surfing the Internet at home and found a Pacman game (though not illegal to obtain) and decided to download the game onto a floppy to play it at work during the slow times. Just as an added bonus to his benign neglect, he didn't do a virus check on the floppy to make sure the game was clean. He took it to work, popped the floppy into his hard-drive and blindly downloaded the game to play it at his leisure. Behold -- the Pacman game, became the Pacman virus. That happy little critter slowly began to eat away at the hard-drive. What started out as an innocent attempt of occupying his time, was downtime and lost productivity for the company. The worker lost a week of wages for this simple indiscretion.
5) You could face penalties for using illegal software -- which can be significant.


When is it not illegal?

Oem software is illegal when it is not used according to the software license agreement. 

In most cases, OEM software is legal when it is distributed with specified accompanying hardware. If the OEM software is legitimate, don't expect user manuals, original retail packaging of the software, or the technical support that is usually provided by the hardware provider.


Where to Report Software Piracy

You can report any software piracy issues to the BSA  -- Business Software Alliance.

You can get cheap software that is good. But the temptation with no research can make you an easy target. So, what is important? Simple-take the time to search the company and learn what is legal and what is not, so you can protect yourself, your data, or your business.



Vickie J Scanlon -- Visit her site My Affiliate Place at: My Affiliate Place  for articles, listing to where you can  report your scams ,  affiliate information,  software,  computer deals, tech accessories and more.