Fake Antivirus Programs

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FAKE ANTIVIRUS PROGRAMS:

We have had at least 2 of these a week come in to the shop. Fake Antivirus Programs such as Personal Antivirus, Antivirus PRO 2009, Antispyware 2009, + Many More. They are all about the same in the fact that they give you alot of popups saying that you have tons of virus infections and then BUY NOW to remove them! This is a scam! Do Not Buy These Programs~! These programs are the "Actual Virus". You do not have as many infected files as it says.

Yes it is important to have your system looked at by a professional. Do Not leave these programs on your computer in hopes that they will just go away, or hoping that you can just wait a little longer before getting it fixed.... These fake antivirus programs are wanting to steal your Credit/Debit card information and possibly hit you with Identity Theft!

They are not real antivirus programs. You are not really infected with 50 trojans, and DO NOT CLICK ON ANYTHING or GIVE IT ANY CREDIT CARD OR PERSONAL INFORMATION. Do Not Buy the program to remove the viruses that it tells you that you have! In fact do not even click the “OK” button, or the “CLOSE” button. Press CTRL+ALT+DELETE and End the IExplorer process or application directly, and then contact us.

Most of these Fake Antivirus "Viruses" seem to be coming from Myspace, and other social websites such as MyYearbook, and Facebook. The most common reason is due to the "code" of these social websites. Many of you may have unintentially embedded virus code in to your Myspace layout by simply "copy" and "pasting" other Myspace code which allows you to change your Myspace backgrounds, add special effects such as hearts falling from the top of the page, or other "cool" themes. When other Myspace users visit your webpage they can become infected with these fake antivirus programs, or other malware; simply by viewing your page!

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE A FAKE ANTIVIRUS?

* Fake anti-virus/spyware programs often generate more "alerts" than the software made by reputable companies.

* You may be swarmed with pop-ups, even when you're not online!

* These programs are very persisitent in making you BUY IT NOW!

* Normally your computer will dramatically slow down.

* Other signs of infection include:
new desktop icons; new wallpaper, or having your homepage redirected to another site.

Fake Anti Virus Prevention Tips

1. Use Firefox as your browser rather than Internet Explorer.

2. Keep your computer updated with the latest anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and be sure to use a good firewall. We recommend Norton 2009 as a Paid Antivirus, or AVG Free as a Free Antivirus. Also use SuperAntiSpyware or Malwarebytes for Free.

3. Never open an email attachment unless you are POSITIVE about the source. Actually call your friends and ask if they really sent that message about "The Party they saw you at"... rather than just opening it to see.

4. Do NOT click on any pop-up that advertises anti-virus or anti-spyware software, especially a program promising to provide every feature known to mankind. (Also remember: the fakes often mimic well-known brands such as Grisoft AVG, Norton)

5. If a virus alert appears on your screen, do NOT touch it. Don't use your mouse to eliminate or scan for viruses, and DON'T use your mouse to close the window. Instead, hit control + alt + delete to view a list of programs currently running. Delete the "rogue" from the list of running programs, and call your local computer repair center such as CGrafiks 931-335-0398!

6. Do not download freeware or shareware unless you know it's from a reputable source. Unfortunately, freeware and shareware programs often come bundled with spyware, adware or fake anti-virus programs.

7. Avoid questionable websites. Some sites may automatically download malicious software onto your computer.

8. Reset your current security settings to a higher level.

9. Although fake software may closely resemble the real thing, it's rarely an exact match. Look for suspicious discrepancies.

10. Check out this list of rogue/fake anti-virus and anti-spyware products.
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm

If your computer is infected by a fake antivirus, immediately stop work, shut down, and unplug your ethernet connection from the computer. Then contact your computer manufacturer's tech-support hotline or CGrafiks Computer Service Center. Don't keep using the computer. This may further damage your machine and provide identity thieves with more information about you.
Use of fake anti-virus, anti-spyware software is a fast-growing scam, especially as more people become aware of the dangers of spyware, adware and malware. By following the tips above, however, you'll better protect yourself from becoming the next victim of scammers, identity thieves and hackers.

REFERENCED FROM: http://www.scambusters.org/fakeantivirus.html