We are aware of some companies including Microsoft, Adobe and also Graphic software companies like AutoCAD trying to bully computer users, threatening them with copyright violation and forcing them to buy licenses.
Some times this happens when a trial version of a software has been downloaded and used beyond the user forgets to de activate the software after the trial period. Companies deliberately allow usage of the software beyond the trial period and thereafter claim infringement of copyright.
In some instances employees of companies inadvertantly download software into company devices and the company gets exposed to the copyright infringement. This normally happens in small companies where the information security system is not strong.
We have discussed such issues in the past and even assisted some companies to ward off extortionist attempts by some dealers in the name of their companies.
Now it appears that a new cyber crime wave is commencing where the usual Credit card fraudsters make calls accusing “Your employees have downloaded our software and deleted it. We know everything. We will take legal action” .
The caller may refuse to indicate what evidence he has but keep threatening that they will take legal action.
After the initial threat calls the discussion veers round to payment of money which is the fraud part. In these cases, the allegation may not be true and the call may not be from the genuine company. The email if any may come from a proton mail which is not traceable. Possibility of some of the employees of the company engaged in the commission of this fraud is not ruled out.
It appears that this fraud is to extract whatever money is possible from out of this threat. It can also run into a sequence of extortions if the organization is yielding and subsequently end up with ransom ware infection also.
One such case has been reported from Bangalore in the name of CorelDraw software
I request organizations to be careful in dealing with such fraudsters. If they send any emails in which clickable links are available saying that “Here is the evidence”… be circumspect and avoid clicking the hyperlinks because they may contain viruses.
Already several such cases have been reported in the following URLs.
https://www.kaanoon.com/305022/corel-draw-software
https://www.cybercrimecomplaints.in/thread/fraud-call-from-corel-india-corelindia-co-in/
The email received by the recipient includes the logos of Corel India and is in the name of Deepak Shetty as “Compliance Executive” of Corel Corporation with phone numbers + 91 88 600 865 71 and + 91 22 6243 0743.
Naavi.org has sought clarification from Corel India and would look forward to clarifications.
Naavi
I received a call from the same person as well. I left an enquiry on Corel.com and got an email asking me to contact Sathish Venugopal. He verified that the email and call from Deepak Shetty is legit. I stated again that I have never used or downloaded their software. He says if he needs to provide me with any proof it will go legal and I’d rather do a forensic investigation from my end.
Hi Parul,
Did you pay for the licenses then? In case not, then what happened later?
They have been threatening us for a month now. We have not used their software but still they are threatening us for litigation. I have told them to do whatever they want, but I am not sure if they are legit or a scam. Can you guide me here please.