Piracy and Replicas

 This section discusses about software piracy, copyright infringements and replicas.

NYT: 3 Facebook Settings You Must Check Now

If you are a Facebook user, please check out the article at NYT, links attached below. In December, Facebook made a series of bold and controversial changes regarding the nature of its users' privacy on the social networking site. The company once...

File Sharing Continues to be a Piracy Haven

It has been a while since we wrote anything about piracy, because we never thought that it would reach to the state as it is today without any intervention. Today, you can almost be sure that many digital products can be downloaded via the few fil...

OEM Software Scam

Someone asked if the following is legal or lawful.
Nope, it's a scam and they are selling pirated softwares. Please read our articles about the risk of buying these softwares. If you don't believe, you are free to contact the software developer for confirmation.

OEM Definition Scam

Its not that you have not seen any offers of pirated softwares on the web, but we find the following definition interesting:

"OEM software means no CD/DVD, no packing case, no booklets and no overhead cost!

So OEM is synonym for lowest price.

Buy directly from the manufacturer, pay for software ONLY and save 75-90%"

Scammers caught selling replicas and fake electronics!!

Hot Scams! Hot News!

2 guys by the name of Muhammad and McBride, were caught dealing in a series of Craigslist scams where they sold replica items and boxes of rubbish designed to look like expensive electronics. The report states that the scam occurs in Fremont(US), but are investigating if they are linked to similar scams elsewhere.

What I would call is that it is a "cheap skate" replica or fake product scam. Most replica sellers are selling expensive-item look-alike, but at least they work. They are cheaper because the design has been copied and produced elsewhere cheaper. The only concern is the quality.

What makes this pair interesting is that they are selling fake and replicas that do not work at all. They built flat-screen TV set using bricks and woods decorated with black film, silver foil tape and Best Buy literature. That is what we call a "backyard home factory". What a joke.

Hey, that reminds me of those household electronics model which we find in the furniture stores. They simply paste a picture of the LCD screen, video players, etc. on pieces of cardboard so that the Prop can be used to enhance their furniture showroom. But they ain't selling those props, so you cannot buy from them (in case u are wondering).

Shopping for piracy and replica products

In a recent trip to Bangkok, Thailand, we came across a shopping center filled with pirated software products. This place is called PanTip Plaza, located near First Hotel or nearest BTS (Bangkok Train System) at Ratchathewi. For some, it is a well-known fact that we can buy cheap replicas in Thailand, but there are some experience that we would like to share regarding Pantip Plaza.

Pantip

Interesting Ferrari Replica

This is an interesting video about a Ferrari enthusiast who builds a replica of his favourite car, just by using photos and creating his own drawings. He managed to produce a miniature engine of the actual engine too, with gear box that allows reversing and suspensions. The replica, miniature car works just a like a normal car! He has spent almost 15 years on this!

There is only One problem... we need to find someone small enough to drive that small car.

Note: this article is not a scam or piracy, just about replica enthusiast!


Cheap OEM Softwares?

We are getting these spam mails almost everyday, selling expensive so -called OEM softwares at a great discounted price. This business of piracy has basically 3 groups (in hotscams.com definition).

Replica Spam Mail

We are receiving many spam emails selling "branded" replicas on the internet.

A good point about these spam mails is that they have been honest about the product. However, we do not see the point of buying it over the internet since it is replica and there is a question if the manufacturer is legally licensed to reproduce it. In most cases, branded goods manufacturer would not allow replicas unless there is a proper license - so as to ensure quality for the brand name.

In some countries such as China or Thailand, it is common to see replicas being sold on the street. Some of these really look very genuine and could hardly be differentiated just by the amatuer's eye. It will only make the difference once you start using it. Branded watches are not just good for their looks but they have remarkable reliability and accuracy, which is something not found in replicas.

Ofcourse, there are other products such as branded bags such as Louis Vuitton bags. There will also be difference in the material used and reliability.

In any case, I think it is safer to purchase replicas directly from a physical shop rather than online, esp. during a vacation tour in some countries. The replicas sold on the internet isn't cheap either (see below), and could probably be one of the "better" replicas. Note that we didn't imply "licensed" replicas due to lack of information.




Example of Spam mails selling replicas:
--------------------

Hello  ,
I just bought a Replica watch from this store a few days back - they reall= y have the best selection and awesome quality.

the brands i never thought i could afford - Rolex - Cartier - Omega and ma= ny many more just awesome man.

check them out             http://078.speckkleonacat.com
****************************************************************

Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega
Cartier, Bvlgari, Franck Muller and many more at special Replika disc0unt = offer of 25%. Exactly like original.

wide range of Tiffany and Co. Jewellry and Mont Blanc Pens to choose from = too.....
     http://078.speckkleonacat.com