FTC Shuts Down Anti-Spyware Vendor

KingFishKingFish
edited March 2005 in Science & Tech
The FTC has stepped up to the plate and shut down an anti-spyware software company.
The company, Spyware Assassin, allegedly used scare tactics to improve sales of its spyware removal software. According to the FTC, Spyware Assassin claimed through Internet advertising (i.e., banner ads, e-mail, pop-ups) that consumers' computers had been infected with malware. Acting on complaints the FTC tested the software and found that "the defendants" free remote scan is phony, and the defendants" representations that they have detected spyware on the consumer's computer are deceptive."

"Remote" scans by the software appeared to find spyware automatically when users entered the Spyware Assassin website, even though the FTC's test computers were uninfected. Additionally, the software's more detailed local scan failed to live up to its claims of removing all spyware.

The Spyware Assassin software was created by MaxTheater Inc. The FTC is seeking to permanently ban MaxTheater's deceptive claims, and is asking a judge to order the company to refund the $29.95 consumers paid for the software.
Source: GEEK.com

Comments

  • SpinnerSpinner Birmingham, UK
    edited March 2005
    What is wrong with people? There are plenty of things to be feared on the NET, why do the bad guys now have to start pretending to be the good guys, the average Joe doesn't need anymore confusion.

    I like things black and white. :shakehead
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