In case it's too long and you didn't read... customer was notified by HostGator of a security issue. In the process they not only notified the customer, but sent his information to SiteLock without his authority. This creates a lead generator for SiteLock..
All to find out that it was all a mistake and the customer was never infected.. YIKES!!!
Write Up: http://www.hermesthemes.com/scam-alert-hostgator-sitelock-malware-extortion/
Snippet from HostGator:
Our Abuse department has received a report regarding malware being hosted on an account under your control. We have disabled site access for your account to prevent further complaints, and have provided a list of the reported content. Note that the below content is not a comprehensive list of malicious content on this account. We strongly recommend that you address the entire account to avoid further issues.
In order to remove the restrictions we’ve placed, you must resolve the security issue and remove what malicious content was listed. If you do not believe you can do so on your own, you may use a reputable third-party security service, such as SiteLock, who can be reached directly at 877-563-2849. Please note that repeated reports of malicious content on your account within 60 days of an initial notice will lead to further action being taken, including permanent suspension after failing to professionally clean the account.
Once you have taken steps to secure your account of the reported content, please reply back to this ticket to request review.
Check out the pricing he was offered:
Be weary of this notice:
When looking at the suggested Emergency 911 Clean-up Service by SiteLock there was a $200 price tag for this service. You pay this fee if you didn’t have SiteLock enabled before the infection. Once infected – pay up the $200. Now that my account is back online I am unable to access that offer from SiteLock, so I can’t provide a screen-shot, sorry.
