Secure Computer is accused of using deceptive advertising
Microsoft and Washington take on spyware firm
/v3-uk/news/1993241/microsoft-washington-spyware-firm
26 Jan 2006, Tom Sanders in California , V3
Microsoft and Rob McKenna, the Attorney General for the State of Washington, have filed lawsuits against Secure Computer from New York State and several unnamed individuals.
Secure Computer is accused of using deceptive advertising to sell its $49.95 Spyware Cleaner software.
Users are presented with pop-up ads, search engine ads or spam emails offering a free online spyware scan of their hard drives.
The software then labels innocuous system files as 'high risk spyware' and advises consumers to buy the software to remove the pest.
The case is first in Washington State to be filed under a local anti-spyware law. If found guilty, Secure Computer could be fined up to $100,000 per violation.
Microsoft has assisted the attorney general in researching the case by providing technical assistance.
The company is charging Secure Computer with violating its trademarks to falsely suggest that Microsoft sponsored or approved the Spyware Cleaner software.
Microsoft urged computer owners to use a firewall, install updates and use antivirus and anti-spyware software.
© Incisive Media Investments Limited 2010, Published by Incisive Financial Publishing Limited, Haymarket House, 28-29 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4RX, are companies registered in England and Wales with company registration numbers 04252091 & 04252093
Do you agree?
About time too
I hope this is just the start of a clean -up of fake anti-spyware and other sites,not just because they get money by improper means but because some also set malware.
Posted by Mike Perrett, 26 Jan 2006