Scareware On The Increase

This post was written by admin on April 19, 2009
Posted Under: Free PC Security,rogue software,Scareware

In the wake of the Conficker worm, the rise in fake / rogue programs using scare tactics has been enormous.

They crop up in search results as 'Sponsored Listings' or simply by browsing to dangerous site, or sites that links to these rogue programs through affiliate links. They also appear in spam emails and forums.

Having downloaded a few of these, the first thing to to was to clean my Temp files and get rid of all the junk, ensuring that the Recycle Bin was empty, scan for viruses and malware, reboot and run ChkDsk and scan for errors.

Satisfied that my PC was clean I ran 'Error Repair Pro' - having previously run 'Error Repair Tool', two completely different programs.

As you can see from the following screenshots, Error Repair Pro found several errors. What a surprise!

Error Repair Pro Scan Window

The interesting point here is that I use Firefox for browsing, yet this program found no less than 355 Temporary IE Privacy Threats. Bear in mind that I had cleaned the Temp Files etc and checked that the PC was clean.

By the time it had finished its 'scan' the total number of problems found are shown here:

Total Errors and Privacy Threats

The number of 'errors' found is considerably less than what many rogue programs find, so now there is a new approach - Privacy Threats!

This is a new scare tactic in another bid to get users to purchase 'scareware' programs that are 'greatly reduced', in this instance from USD $49.95 to the bargain price of USD $29.97 and they will also throw in Satellite TV on your PC for FREE!

Purchase Page with reductions and free Program!

These fake programs will NOT repair your computer, but they will mess it up and also install Backdoor Trojans, Rootkits, Hijack your Hosts File, take your money and leave you with a damaged PC as well as being at risk of ID Theft and Fraud.

The sites selling this crap are run by highly organised criminals intent on stealing your money by selling fake programs through legitimate sources.

Do NOT download ANY of these, there are many FREE programs available to clean your PC and to protect your privacy.