John, you just restated what I understood from my search--that this is not a "legitimate" use of free software or shareware programs, it is a form of hacking. A Google search takes you into a code-filled domain where you don't want to linger. I think you're right, though. The programs opened are showing up on that one discussion where the guy is trying to remove a value or program he thinks is a problem.
Louie Ray, I don't suppose you can do a screen shot of the message you're getting and post it somewhere (photobucket, flickr, etc.) so we can see what you're seeing? Or transcribe the message and post it?