Avoid These Spyware
Software Scams

Here's the things I came across when I was trying to find the best Spyware Removal / Protection tool for the PC. I was honestly shocked at some of the blunders I uncovered. Some programs didn't even make the reviews on this website they were so bad. Please read on.

Old, outdated programs

It's essential that spyware software is kept completely up to date. Spyware doesn't rest and is always evolving. So imagine my surprise when I installed some spyware tools and they had dates on the interface going back as far as 2005. Sorry, but there's no excuse for that. It certainly doesn't inspire confidence.

Tools where definitions are rarely updated

A spyware tool is only as good as it's list of spyware definitions. This is the database of the latest threats to look out for. A good service will update the definitions database at least a few times a week. I found some tools that were seemingly never updated, and some that had such infrequent updates it makes you wonder just what's slipping through the net onto your system.

No realtime protection

One of the things I've learnt in my time testing spyware software is that you absolutely MUST have realtime protection from spyware. This is a resident program that continually shields your PC against incoming spyware attacks. Most tools offer some kind of realtime protection. Unbelievably, some offer absolutely none.

Cookie cutter programs - all same look, different graphics

It became clear after downloading and installing several spyware scanners that there was something suspicious going on. I got a strange feeling od déjà vu creeping over me as I tested certain products out. There are several products from differeny companies with exactly the same layout, functions and graphics as each other.

What's obviously happened is that a company can buy a version of this tool and re-brand it with their own logo, and then call it their own. These cookie cutter tools faired very poorly on the reviews and were nowhere near as good at removing spyware as the better known tools.

Programs with trojans

A number of spyware programs I tried to install actually tried to put a Trojan virus on my computer when I clicked the 'download' button. Fortunately my antivirus software picked it up before it could do any damage but this is obviously bad news. I wonder how many other people have been infected by a virus while trying to install a seemingly innocent piece of software.

Tricking you into removing competing tools

I thought this was plain weird. Some programs, when performing a spyware scan, try to get the user to remove or disable competing anti-spyware tools. They often cite them as being 'dangerous' or list them under the 'severe' warning category. While this isn't especially harmful, it also doesn't inspire confidence. If they are using such deceptive means to beat their competition - how reliable can their tools be?

Lifetime cover

Perhaps not an out and out scam, but something well worth mentioning here. Any good spyware program will have a set perioud which you subscribe for. Usually for one, two or three years. This provides you with regular updates throughout this time. Be suspicious of any package that offers 'lifetime' cover. This is simply not viable. You'll likely find your left with a tool with little or nothing in the way of regular definition & software updates.

The bottom line...

For tools that are designed to protect your PC from malicious threats, there's a lot of underhand tactics being used and a lot of poor products being peddled. If I found something suspicious going on with a product, I listed it in my reviews. Id I were you, I'd spend a bit of time checking them out.