Dodgy PC Care Programs Exposed

Beware of plausible offers of an anti-virus service offering “Live PC Care”, warns Symantec Australia: it’s probably a fake that could put your computer system at risk, and cost you $100 or so in the short term.”The fake anti-virus software has now gone as far as offering live online support to potential victims, aiming to reassure suspicious victims that Live PC Care is legitimate software and that without purchasing and activating it, the computer system could be at risk,” Symantec says.

The scam is not an automated script but instead has a live person at the other end, the security company adds. If a potential victim clicks on the online support button they are brought to a live support chat session.

“Fake antivirus software is big business these days, with Symantec reporting 43 million installation attempts from over 250 distinct programs between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009,” says CEO John Phillips. “With fake AV software costing the victim anywhere from $30 to $100, this is a lucrative earner for cybercriminals.”