Post by va3css on May 17, 2005 18:00:27 GMT -5
FTC Stops Spyware Assasin
*claps* ;D
One down...
According to the FTC complaint, the Web site offers to scan consumers’ computers at no cost to determine whether they’re infected with spyware. One “scan”– the remote scan – is performed when consumers land on the Web site. The free “scan” displays a pop-up message that states, “URGENT ERROR ALERT: You have dangerous spyware virus infections on your computer. Click OK to install the latest free update to fix these errors. Immediate action is highly recommended before you continue!” The other “scan”– the “local scan” – is performed when consumers click to download the defendants’ software. Both scans warn consumers that they have spyware installed on their system.
The FTC charges that, “the defendants’ free remote scan is phony, and the defendants’ representations that they have detected spyware on the consumer’s computer are deceptive.” According to the agency, the pop-up that announces that consumers have spyware pops up automatically, even when the computer is clean and does not have spyware installed on it.
During the “local” scan consumers are warned that their computer is infected with spyware and a message flashes on the screen listing the names and file locations of the spyware on the system. Even when the computer is clean of all spyware, the defendants report that spyware has been detected, and the file folders the defendants claim contain the spyware are either empty or contain files that do not contain spyware, according to the agency.
The defendants claim that the software they sell for $29.95 will “remove all spyware programs and files” and will “prevent any future breaches.” According to the FTC, the “anti-spyware” software does not remove all or substantially all spyware, and the defendants deceptive claims violate the FTC Act, which bars deceptive claims.
The FTC charges that, “the defendants’ free remote scan is phony, and the defendants’ representations that they have detected spyware on the consumer’s computer are deceptive.” According to the agency, the pop-up that announces that consumers have spyware pops up automatically, even when the computer is clean and does not have spyware installed on it.
During the “local” scan consumers are warned that their computer is infected with spyware and a message flashes on the screen listing the names and file locations of the spyware on the system. Even when the computer is clean of all spyware, the defendants report that spyware has been detected, and the file folders the defendants claim contain the spyware are either empty or contain files that do not contain spyware, according to the agency.
The defendants claim that the software they sell for $29.95 will “remove all spyware programs and files” and will “prevent any future breaches.” According to the FTC, the “anti-spyware” software does not remove all or substantially all spyware, and the defendants deceptive claims violate the FTC Act, which bars deceptive claims.
*claps* ;D
One down...
