Internet marketing scams claim to fix your computer

There are thousands of web sites on the internet that claim that their registry cleaner or anti-virus/anti-spyware program will solve your computer problems. Many of these programs are “snake oil” or scams that often install additional unwanted spyware or trojan viruses and cause other problems to your computer. SpywareWarrior.com has compiled a comprehensive list of some of the fake programs. Many of the programs give false warnings of problems with your computer and entice you to scan your computer for “free”. After the scan the programs often present a detailed list of more problems and offer to fix the problems for “only $39”.

In summary, these programs are scams – and there were likely no problems with your computer before you came across the website that produced the pop-up advertisement. I first documented this problem in March 2006.

Below are examples of an indication that you may already have installed one of the scams…

The official-looking alert below is shown in the taskbar notification area, and is an indication that one of the fake programs has already been installed on your computer.

If you see notices similar to the examples above, I recommend contacting Computer Techs to have us remove all traces of the fake program, and any additional spyware that they usually install. While some anti-spyware or anti-virus programs may detect the fake programs, many will not remove all of the remnants that the programs leave behind. We’ll also provide you with education on how to avoid installing these programs in the first place.