Every day it seems someone is out to trick you into buying something or downloading something that will a) harm your computer, b) glean personal information from your computer, c) turn your computer into a billboard complete with flashing popup advertisements that seem to come out of nowhere or d) all of these.
Some of the most devious tricks are those which prey on users’ fears. These kind of scams rely on user naivety and (sometimes) catchy names to steal money from consumers. Sometimes they steal more than money – they steal personal information and can turn your dream computer into a nightmare.
We’ve assembled a list of 78 rogue anti-spyware/anti-virus applications that currently found on the Web. Some are more visible than other, particularly the WinFixer (Antivirus 2008, Antivirus 2009) rogue application which has stolen millions of dollars from unwary Web surfers. We don’t want a single one of you to be fooled, so we’re making a this available to you in case you happen to run across one or more of these. Many will tempt you into downloading by showing your system being scanned in real time – this too is a hoax. It’s an animated gif or Flash movie showing a fake Windows scan dialog which will always show numerous errors and problems. Of course, you’ll need to download the rogue software to remove all the problems the scan inevitably finds. If you’re tricked into to downloading it you will find some of these difficult to remove. Worse, if you’re tricked into buying one of these scam programs, you’ll find it difficult to get your money back.
Feel free to print this list and keep it handy in case you run into any of these programs on your travels around the Web. Be cautious, use common sense and refer to this list.
While there are many programs listed here, it is by no means complete. There are always criminals and miscreants thinking of new ways to trick unwary surfers. Our job is to make you savvy surfer.
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Doctor Antivirus DriveCleaner Disk Knight EasySpywareCleaner Errorsafe free-viruscan.com IE Antivirus IEDefender InfeStop KVMSecure MacSweeper MalCrush 3.7 MalwareCore MalwareAlarm Malware Bell 3.2 PCSecureSystem PC Antispy PC Clean Pro PC SpeedScan Pro PestTrap Perfect Cleaner |
PAL Spyware Remover PCPrivacytool PC-Antispyware PSGuard SecurePCCleaner Security toolbar 7.1 SpyAxe Spy Away SpyCrush Spydawn SpyGuarder SpyHeal Spylocked SpySheriff SpySpotter Spyware Cleaner Spyware Quake Spyware Stormer SpywareStrike Spy-RidSpyWiper System Live Protect |
SystemDoctor TrustedAntivirus TheSpyBot UltimateCleaner VirusHeat Virus Isolator VirusProtectPro VirusRanger Vista Antivirus 2008 WinAntiVirus Pro 2006 WinFixer WinSpywareProtect WorldAntiSpy XP Antivirus |
Hi, Many thanks for these tips, this is most useful.
I have in the past bought Ebook, Reimage,and Registery Mechanic, joined Your Newletter a few years back now thought I was a life member, so, was very disappointed when your Newsletter stopped coming.Not going anywhere else.
Still this is excellent
Yours sincerly
Juel Hilton
Thank you– I fortunately –and finally– downloaded AVAST. I feel safer. I have the other three of the FAMOUS four as well– but I printed them anyway for a quick reference.
Thank you TC & EB. You are worth your weight in gold for the continued high-class advice which you share with every member the InfoAve Fan Club.
What would we do without you two. I cannot tell you how many valuable hints I have responded to on “Info Avenue”,{and will continue to with the WONDERFUL Info Avenue E- Book which has just reacched me in Truro, Cornwall UK.} Thanks too for NOTH….In fact, THANKS for being the “SUPERMAN and SUPERGIRL” of the Internet.
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Thanks for the info, I have the 1st one listed Advance ,at least i think it is, it also says Iobit. I thought I was doing a good thing by running it when the letter in the corner turns to a C, than after it does its thing, it turns back to an A and says your PC is in perfect shape. Should I just get rid of it. I also have McAfee installed only because it came free for 6 months with this PC. Thanks Sandie
Thank you, my sister is always clicking something. I have to tell her all the time she is going to mess up my computer, and then SHE will be buying me a new one. That finially stopped her. This will help.
You are right! I have just been taken by PC Cleaner which gave me some headaches but now rectified. I clicked on it while reading your blog and wondering how it got there. Sure do appreciate all your expert counsel which is invaluable to all.
Thank you for all the invaluable info you always give us. This list is very helpful. I use ESET NOD32 and it is my most favorite anti-virus software of all time and I love Malwarebytes, too. I try to never go to risky websites, but one day I was looking up “Arizona Wild Fires” and lo and behold I had two viruses try to creep into my computer just like that. So, it’s not just the “seamy” sites that have viruses; they can show up anywhere. Again, thanks for all the help you give us.