Downloading free antivirus software has always been a cheap, easy way to protect your computer from dangerous malware. Unfortunately, many hackers have caught on to this trend and created their own fake antivirus software. The fake software is commonly referred to as rogue security software. These rogue programs do much more harm than good. Knowing how to spot them, however, increases the odds that you will choose a legitimate antivirus program for your computer.

Detecting Fake Antivirus Software

Fake antivirus programs often use similar schemes to trick users into installing them and paying for fraudulent services. MS Antivirus, for instance, which has also gone by the name Spyware Protect 2009, tricks users by reporting to have found several viruses on the computer. The viruses, however, do not exist. The fake antivirus software then encourages the user to purchase a full version of the program to eradicate the viruses. Of course, since the viruses did not exist in the first place, users pay for absolutely nothing.

The fake antivirus program SpySheriff also uses false positives to encourage users to pay money for advanced services. It’s a common ruse.

If you have downloaded free software that requests your credit card number or other personal information, then chances are that you have found a piece of rogue security software.

A Useful Alternative

With so many fraudulent antivirus programs on the Internet, it’s hard to trust one over the rest. Luckily, PC Tools Free Antivirus has proven itself as a safe, effective tool for preventing and eliminating troublesome malware. Not only does it do the job well, but it never asks for any personal information (including your credit card number). After all, why should a company that makes free software ever need your credit card information? When they request those numbers, you know that they want to charge something to your account. Since PC Tools Free Antivirus doesn’t do this, you know that you are safe.