Function

• Anti-spyware aims to trick users into thinking that their computer is infected with spyware. This is usually done with pop-up ads that resemble Windows alerts. Other times, users are lured into trying the programs because they claim to be free. Once installed on a system, most fake anti-spyware makes false claims about viruses or adware on the system, and that the only way to remove the spyware is to buy a full version of the anti-spyware software.
  
  

Warning

• Once installed on a computer, fake anti-spyware can be very hard to remove. Most do not come with proper uninstallers and components in the registry and other hidden files usually have to be found and removed manually by the user.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• The best way to avoid fake anti-spyware is to do research before downloading anything. Doing an Internet search for a program's name should lead to to results that verify its validity as legitimate anti-spyware software.