Scareware and Fake Anti-Virus Software Information

Cox Communications is dedicated to protecting the internet experience of our customers. We notify customers when their computer systems may be infected with a virus or other malicious software. Scareware, such as fake anti-virus software, affects computer settings and can deceive customers into buying unnecessary or malicious software.

Scareware is an unethical marketing ploy designed to scare customers into buying fake anti-virus software they usually do not need. An example of scareware is when software displays a fake 'blue screen of death' on your computer. The image looks real and convinces some customers to click a button that sends them to the sellers' page to buy their software. This software claims to fix the fake attack.

Removing Fake Anti-Virus Software

Uninstalling fake anti-virus software may be difficult. First, try removing it by going to your Windows Control Panel and choosing the Add / Remove Programs icon. From here, you should be able to find the fake software to uninstall it. However, a piece of the application may still remain on your computer, which could be spyware.

You can also try using anti-virus removal programs. If you are not familiar or comfortable using these programs, you should consult a trained professional. However, if you already have anti-virus software installed, make sure you have the latest updates and reboot your computer in Safe Mode. Once in Safe Mode, run a full scan.

The following free virus removal tools are available on the Internet and can be used even if you already have anti-virus software installed. These tools might be able to discover viruses that your current anti-virus is unable to find.

• Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool
• Norton Power Eraser
• Microsoft Security Essentials
• Malware Bytes
• Super Anti-Spyware
  

Cox does not endorse or support these products. These are only references to products to help clean your computer. Support for these products is handled by the respective software manufacturer.