I strongly discourage anyone from visiting Bachmann Trains website for the time being. After reading the recent post about their upcoming GP35, I visited the website only to have my laptop computer freeze, then display a message supposedly from the FBI which stated that I had been detected downloading illegal music and videos, including pornography of the worst kind. It went on to state that I would be contacted by the FBI within 72 hours, unless I paid a $300.00 fine, which would also restore my computer. Conveniently, instructions were provided on how to obtain a MoneyPak order to pay the supposed fine. Do not be fooled by this crap. This is another scam which originated overseas designed to scare people and get their money. If the FBI is really going to pay you a visit for downloading illegal material, they sure won't give you any prior warning. And no branch of the justice system in the United States can coerce you into paying a fine without the benefit of having a trial. However, it's amazing how many innocent people can be scared by something like this. The only thing about this that I found somewhat scary was that a photo was snapped of me as I sat at my kitchen table, and it was subsequently posted on this virus page. This was apparently done using my laptop's internal camera above the screen. My computer's IP address was also captured, as well as my wife's first name, as she is set up as the computer's primary user. Just to confirm that the Bachmann website was infected with a virus, I attempted to visit the site from my computer at work, which has top-notch anti-virus protection, and sure enough, the virus was detected and blocked. The most that this cost me was about an hour spent rebooting my computer in safe mode and resetting it to a prior date. Still very frustrating. Pat Moreland, Union Mo.
I think computer hackers ought to have a bounty on them. Just bring their ears to the couthouse to claim your $100! Tom G.
I don't doubt a word you said. Bachmann Trains is stating that there is NO VIRUS, but that Michelle Bachmann's web-site had been hacked and spreading virus'. Either way, I gave up on Bachmann. They aren't interested in making what folks want. Hope you get your 'puter fixed and the black suits with shiny bracelets don't show up at your front door.
My computer's fine. There are a couple of good videos on Youtube that give step by step instructions on how to fix it. I just used my desktop to view the videos while I followed the instructions with the laptop. I'm no stranger to the shiny bracelets. Unless I'm the guinea pig during defensive tactics training, I'm on the giving end rather than the receiving Pat Moreland, Union Mo.
That was pretty funny, Pat. Thanks for the information. I will watch for such scam's. It keeps getting worse for those kinda things. William Jackson
I'm sure there are parts of the world where they cut their hands off. Wish there were enough punishment for them to be a deterrent. Tracking them down would be good training for the drone pilots? I've had the FBI screen before. I'll look for the videos since there's no telling when it can strike.
NOTICE!!! BEWARE! The same thing that happened to Pat, happened to me very early this morning. We used the same solution as Pat did to clean it up. I'm suggesting if you need anything at all from Bachmann, look up their U.S. Mail address on Google and write them a letter! Tom G.
If you don't have a good A/V program---updated daily---best to stay away from Bachmann site. This has been going on for some time now. Sometimes I can go in with no problem, turn around and go back in a few minutes later and get a warning from my anti-virus program. So far the A/V has done its job and caught the offending program, but until they get a handle on the problem, will be staying away from their site.
Howdy Folks! I got the Trojan Horse trip several months ago trying to visit Bachmann's US site. I went to their site in the UK without any problems. I agree with Manny, Bachmann isn't listening to what model railroaders want. My daughter wants me to build a small HO layout and I plan to use Kato diesel locomotives and the older models from Atlas, Con-Cor and Stewart that have the Kato drives. So it is back to the drawing board afterall and constructing the old Atlas HO layout they called Simplicity & Great Plains. Though small (4X6) it is about all I can fit into my basement room. I will add a drop-leaf yard. The S&GP will be generic and I want to use the old Revell structures for sentimental reasons. I plan to use the Peco "83 Line" track that is modeled after North American track standards, according to them. Anyway, my dealer can order Kato and Peco products here in Germany and I get a discount to boot. Manny, congrats on your bizz venture. Hope you get a web site up and running ASAP! Joe Toth
I can verify that at 2:15pm CDT today, my anti-virus defintely blocked something bad on the bachman site. Anti-virus is a must these days. If you have a computer, you need to have updated anti-virus software. There are simply too many people out there with nothing better to do than create viruses.
