U.S. officials warn of Web 'mouse traps'

ugh! Its people like this who devalue the power of the Internet. Popups should be outlawed!

WASHINGTON - Authorities in the United States are warning consumers about "Web trapping." They say certain Web sites with names close to popular companies or celebrities are being used to capture users and bombard them with advertising.

Many of the Web sites target children. There are 15 variations of the Cartoon Network's Web site.

The Federal Trade Commission has pointed its finger at Web creator John Zuccarini of Pennsylvania. They say he gets paid up to $1 million annually to create these bogus sites for advertisers.

According to officials, one site named after tennis star Anna Kournikova — annakurnikova.com — springs up 29 new Internet browser windows.

The commission calls it "mouse trapping." When the user tries to close the windows, the buttons are either disabled or spawn new windows.

News source: WinOSCentral