Fake virus scanners cost users dearly
Internet security experts claim that online criminals are extorting millions of pounds from unsuspecting consumers who purchase fake anti-virus software downloads.
Symantec stated that over 40m people last year fell victim to a similar scheme known in the security industry as a ?scareware? scam. Not only do people purchase a fake product, but the scam is particularly harmful since criminals gain access to credit card details of their victims.
According to Symantec there are over 250 versions of ?scareware? in existence on the internet which give criminals about ?750,000 annually.
The new presence and abundance of ?scareware? may point to the fact that cyber criminals have moved past viruses as their major source of income and malicious activity.
During a ?scareware? scam a user is alerted to the presence of a virus on their computer that can only be removed by purchasing certain software online that can cost around ?60. Once purchasing the download users find out it was a scam.
Scammers are able to continue using the rogue software because the individual amounts of stolen money are small, making it hard for police and other security agencies to track down.
