HP Easy Scan Still Contains Worm

[MKMuller]

I got caught by the scam that the hp scanner installation software led me to when I tried to install software.  After searching the net, I find that attempts to install hp scanning software has been leading suckers to this scam since at least 2020. Doesn't HP have any responsibility for solving this problem?  I'm sure that they have a disclaimer to cover any liability for this but they should still be responsibility.

[Sneha_01]

Hi @MKMuller 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

It's frustrating to encounter scams like the one you described when trying to install software, especially from a well-known company like HP. While HP is not directly responsible for third-party scams or malicious sites that impersonate their services, we can certainly take steps to improve user safety and awareness. Here's some clarification and suggestions on what to do:

It's frustrating to encounter scams like the one you described when trying to install software, especially from a well-known company like HP. While HP is not directly responsible for third-party scams or malicious sites that impersonate their services, they can certainly take steps to improve user safety and awareness. Here's some clarification and suggestions on what to do:

Why Does This Happen?

1. Third-Party Scam Websites: Scammers often create fake websites that resemble official sites to trick users into downloading malicious software. These websites may appear at the top of search results, leading users away from official HP sources.
2. Ad-Supported Search Results: Sometimes, search engines display ads or sponsored links that take users to these malicious sites instead of the legitimate ones. These are cleverly disguised to look like official HP pages, making it easy to fall into their traps.If you believe you’ve installed malware, it’s essential to remove it immediately. Here’s how you can clean your system:

Run a Full Malware Scan: Use a trusted antivirus or anti-malware program to scan your system. Tools like Malwarebytes, Windows Defender, or Bitdefender are good options for detecting and removing malware.

Uninstall Suspicious Software: Go to your system's Control Panel (Windows) or Applications folder (macOS) and uninstall any software you don’t recognize or that was downloaded from untrustworthy sources.

Check Browser Extensions: Scammers often install browser extensions that track your browsing activity or display ads. Go to your browser's settings and remove any suspicious extensions.

2. Download the Official HP Easy Scan Software

To ensure you’re downloading the genuine HP software:

• Always go directly to HP’s official website: https://support.hp.com.
• Navigate through their support section to find the drivers and software for your specific printer or scanner model. Never download HP software from third-party websites.

3. Update Search Engine and Browser Settings

Use an Ad Blocker: Some ad blockers can filter out malicious or scam websites. Extensions like uBlock Origin or AdGuard are effective for blocking these unwanted ads and links.

Report Malicious Sites: If you encounter a fraudulent website, report it to Google or your search engine to help prevent others from falling for the same scam. Google provides a tool for reporting phishing sites: Google Safe Browsing.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support