NBC incorrectly implicates Bitcoin in Ransomware scam

[Possum577]

http://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/virus-allows-hackers-to-hold-your-computer-files-for-ransom-393994819594

Tonight NBC Nightly News presented a story about a virus scam where your PC files are threatened to be destroyed if you don't pay the scammers within a specific period of time. In the footage they show the ransom note asking for $500 of Litecoin but actually state that the scammers are asking for $500 of Bitcoin (and they add a Bitcoin graphic).

This unfairly associates Bitcoin with scams!

Anyone outraged? If so, email NBC at contact.nbcnews@nbcuni.com with the following message to let them know that they need to get their facts straight:

Dear NBC,

On your February 4th, 2015 broadcast you incorrectly implicated Bitcoin as the the crypto currency of choice of the Ransomware scammers, when in fact the scammers were asking for payment in another crypto currency (Litecoin). Your footage of the computer screen shows the countdown timer with the currency "Litecoin" named.

The error is akin to saying scammers asked for payment in Dollars when in fact they want Euros.

This may seem like a minor detail but for those of us looking to promote the positive uses of Bitcoin this error unfairly associates Bitcoin with crime. You've misrepresented the facts and hurt the image of Bitcoin.

Please have Brian Williams clarify the mistake in a future broadcast.

Thank you!

[Inotanewbie]

The two are really one and the same as far as the public is concerned. Additionally you generally need to purchase bitcoin in order to purchase litecoin.

I would not be all that furious about this, it is inaccurate but not infuriating.

[Possum577]

The two are really one and the same as far as the public is concerned. Additionally you generally need to purchase bitcoin in order to purchase litecoin.

I would not be all that furious about this, it is inaccurate but not infuriating.

That's the problem, the public doesn't know the difference...and this just supports their misinformation about Bitcoin and crypto currency.

Everyone's entitled to their opinion on the severity of the error of course.

[pedrog]

"She had to buy a new computer" WTF!

That was some mean virus. 

[AgentofCoin]

According to what I've heard previously, most of the ransomware is asking for bitcoin.
This is the first time I've heard of anyone asking for litecoin. Kind of bizarre to ask for LTC, if you think about it.

[pedrog]

According to what I've heard previously, most of the ransomware is asking for bitcoin.
This is the first time I've heard of anyone asking for litecoin. Kind of bizarre to ask for LTC, if you think about it.

On top of that, giving only 24 hours for people to pay...

[Possum577]

According to what I've heard previously, most of the ransomware is asking for bitcoin.
This is the first time I've heard of anyone asking for litecoin. Kind of bizarre to ask for LTC, if you think about it.

Bizarre indeed, but that's whats on the clip from NBC.

It's unfortunate that regular folks that only here about Bitcoin from this type of news source are going to get one more reason (in error) to associate bitcoin use with crime.

[odolvlobo]

The reason that ransomware works is that people are careless with their data. People need to back up their data in case something happens to their computer, whether it is stolen, it dies, or it is encrypted by ransomware.

[stellar1]

I guess this is for the Bitcoin Foundation (or whoever owns the Bitcoin brand) to sue NBC. Then they will get to carry another ransom news on their nightly news slot.

[fonenumba]

The reason that ransomware works is that people are careless with their data. People need to back up their data in case something happens to their computer, whether it is stolen, it dies, or it is encrypted by ransomware.

A lot of the time they back it up to someplace that would be subject to the all of these possibilities (for example in a different folder, or in a different hard drive but one that is still always connected to the computer)

[cr1776]

Lying Brian Williams is the main anchor, what do you expect??? :-)

[steveturk]

brians' ransom was also apparently paid in bitcoin when he was kidnapped after helicopter was shot down.... oh yeah, he wasn't in the helicopter, and bitcoin hadn't been invented yet. damn. wonder if NBC are hiring.
 

[pereira4]

These guys love some flashy headlines to sell more newspapers and tv show views for all the newspapers and tv consuming idiots of the world.

[Bralex]

This is how the media often portrays bitcoin unfortunately...

[Q7]

That's the whole problem with the media. News are sometimes sensationalized...anything to get readers' attention. I hope the general public don't get the wrong idea and link bitcoin to something illegal.

[Meuh6879]

Hint of thread : CTB-Locker