OT: Email Scam or Spam???

[Atrocities]

I don't know if this is lagit or not, but I suspect that it could be. That scares me because it is more than likely not.

You be the judge.

From: Zero-Knowledge Systems Inc.

Freedom(tm) 5.0 Beta Team

ZKS' Freedom(tm) 5.0 Beta Program
- Special Invitation Only -

Hello,

We would like to take this opportunity to invite you to apply to participate in our Beta testing of ZKS' latest security product, Freedom(tm) 5.0.

Freedom(tm) 5.0 software integrates state-of-the-art security and privacy services such as Anti-Virus, Firewall, the new Anti-Spyware service, Parental Control, Privacy Manager and other related functionality. It is used by millions of Users from around the world.

As a Beta tester, you will get an early peek at the software and the opportunity to have your feedback incorporated into the final release. This helps increase the quality and stability of the final product guaranteeing that it meets Users expectations.

You will also receive a complementary, six-month license* to use Freedom(tm), and the opportunity to win other special prizes offered for the most active testers.

If you are interested in participating in our beta test, please complete the application form at https://www.freedom.net/cgi-bin/beta...ionnaire.cgi/. If your application is approved, you will receive an acceptance email and will be notified when the Beta Software is ready to download along with the proper instructions.

To learn more about the ZKS Freedom(tm) Beta Program, you can visit http://www.freedom.net/beta/beta_faq.html.

If you have any questions, send us an email at [email protected].

Thank you for your on-going support and participation,

The Freedom(tm) 5.0 Beta Team

* The complementary six-month license is offered to Beta testers who exhibited a minimal level of testing participation with The Freedom(tm) Beta Team

I have never heard of this company before, nor have I ever used any of there products. So I am skeptical about clicking on the link. I am chicken and want one of you brave warriors to do it for me.

[ February 07, 2004, 14:23: Message edited by: Atrocities ]

[Cipher7071]

What first hits me about this is if it is used "by millions of people around the world" why are they just now getting around to beta testing it? Sounds fishy to me too.

[geoschmo]

I would say obviously spam, but not scam. This company has been around for a while. http://www.businesswire.com/webbox/b.../203200289.htm

Kind of an odd way to get beta testors though. I'd say most likely it's just a sneaky way to do some mass marketing without being obvious that they are mass marketing.

Originally posted by Cipher7071:
What first hits me about this is if it is used "by millions of people around the world" why are they just now getting around to beta testing it? Sounds fishy to me too.

The beta test is apparently for a new Version of a product that's been out for years. So thats not really a discrepancy.

[ February 07, 2004, 15:18: Message edited by: geoschmo ]

[Cipher7071]

A free introductory offer in disguise? It could be, I guess. But, if so, it sure is a roundabout marketing scheme.

[parabolize]

I got a fire wall from Zero-Knowledge with my netgear router it works just as good as anything else.

[Ed Kolis]

Yes, I got one with my Netgear router as well. They're almost certainly legit.