Kate, That is a question that has baffled me for a very longtime. It's only when the likes of Microsoft catch these malicious people, that they offer them job's in creating programs to stop their original friends. Maybe, thats why they do it, to show how clever they are. It's a vicious way to get 'head hunted' Your security friend in Las Vegas.

Hi Michael, Glad you got to this post in time to warn your daughter. As for why they do it? It could be the same as all the Taggers, you know, getting themselves known by the viruses they make. Or they could be trying to get jobs with Microsoft. Your security friend in Las Vegas.

Hi Leanne, As far as I know, it's just AOL Instant Message at present, but who knows when it will be copy-cated to other types of IM. Your security friend in Las Vegas.

Hello Diane, Welcome to these forums. If you look in some of the previous ones, you may find quite a few other nasty suprises waiting out there to catch the unwary. Upgrade your virus protection daily, run Spyware, Adaware & Malaware programs daily. Run disc scans & defrag, at least weekly. Be very, very careful about any attachments, even from friends. Try to quarantine them before opening, & never, never click on any links from people you do not know or have not dealt with before. Your security friend in Las Vegas.

Hi Theresa. Always nice to see you. Your security friend in Las Vegas.