AOL Instant Messanger Users - Do NOT install Buddylinks (Osama) Game

[Towncrier]

There's a program that has been making the rounds on the AOL Instant Message service that disguises itself as a game. In reality, it installs a program on your PC that sends everyone in your AOL buddy list a link that encourages them to install the game.

If you have already installed this program, you need to get rid of it or you will continue to SPAM all your AOL Buddies. One place that I found instructions for removing Buddylink is:

http://vil.nai.com/vil/content/v_101007.htm

When I fired up AOL IM this morning, I was greeted with my very first Buddylinks message. And I hope it's the last one that I see.

 

[UncleKyle]

yeah I got this the other day from a buddy. I new not to install it just by looking at it. Thanks for the heads up

 

[helenabear]

Thanks for the FYI John

 

[TarraLee]

If you do get it, you can go to your control panel, add/remove programs, and then remove the offending program. The name of the program I got was PSD Tools.

Also, you may want to put up an away message that says "Do not open any links from me, a virus is going around that infected my IM."

Good luck everyone!

 

[ASFCurly]

yep, I got it from my brother, and accidentally clicked on it, but it is actually adware, not a regular virus, but I uninstalled it

 

[Nutsy]

Thanks for the warning

 

[SeaSpray]

When I signed onto AOL last night, INSTANTLY an IM popped up on my screen from a friend of mine with that link in it. Does that mean that HE has this virus or whatever it is?? He told me he didn't know how that IM came from him since he didn't send it and had never seen it before. I didn't click on it, but is this something I should warn him about???

 

[minniecarousel]

I thought it was kindof odd that my DH sent me a link in an IM like that! I IMed him with "should I install this?" - got an emphatic "NO!" - glad I checked with him (actually - I hate installing things - I let him do that!)