Computer users 'tricked' by fake security

Mon Oct 19 2009 13:48:30

A leading computer security firm has issued a warning over fake anti-virus software.

Bosses at Symantec fear millions of web-users face the risk of downloading a programme that could do more harm than good.

They say there are now more than 250 types of "scareware" on the internet.

The scams involve making a user believe his or her computer has been infected by a virus, and then charging them to download bogus software.

It is thought criminals can earn £850,000 a year through the con.

Many of the pretend security devices have legitimate-sounding names like Antivirus 2010 and SpywareGuard 2008.

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