The "Antivirus" Scam In Homer’s epic poem "The Iliad", the state of Troy represented a place of wealth, power, and all things bountiful to its known world. Such is the power of the Internet in today’s world: a place of plenty where people can exchange goods and information. Originally, the Internet had every intention of providing a safe environment for its users. As with Troy, it was only a matter of time before this Internet utopia was hacked into as well.

Just as the Trojan horse the Greek’s method of getting the "lambs to invite the lions to dinner", Internet hackers and identity thefts have masked themselves with the promise of Anti-virus Protection. With a seemingly flawless approach, rogue "anti-virus" software may pop up on your screen: panicked that it has detected thousands of viruses! These scam artists have really crafted these products well and the innocent Internet user will believe it is a legitimate program trying to help them; scaring the potential victim into believing their computer may crash. The victim then rushes to the credit card and blindly forfeits valuable information to the enemy. Hence: the fall of the Internet, or a safe Internet at least.

Some users may keep on using the program because the software will install a virus into the computer to make it seem the program is functional. Computer owners will notice their computer running slower or quicker depending on the status of the software and believe they have made the right choice in their purchase. However, when strange charges start appearing on the user’s credit card weeks later, the jig is up and the computer owner now has a bigger problem. Chances are the computer in question may not have even been infected by a virus at the time of purchasing the software. On the other hand, the computer may have actually been infected but the purchased program had no intention of erasing the current virus, just make new ones and obtain your personal information.

Sound familiar? Do not feel foolish if this has happened to you as these scammers pride themselves in a high success rate. Practice safe Internet use to protect yourself from becoming a casualty. Though any Internet user has the risk of becoming a target, use your awareness of this matter to avoid anti-virus rogue software. If the damage has been done, quickly cancel the credit card with which you purchased the fraud. Next you can uninstall the useless software and install a legitimate one to undo any damage as well as prevent more scams. Recommended actual anti-virus software are AVG Anti-Virus Version 8 or Spyware Doctor with Anti-Virus. If you are uncomfortable downloading more onto your computer, you can always have a consultant clean it up for you, but at a price (about one hundred dollars).

The false anti virus software scam is the quickest and easiest way for identity thefts to sneak into your skin. Also beware of similar structures in the Internet such as pop ups offering you incredible deals (like a one thousand dollar gift card) where all you have to do is offer your phone number, address, and social security number to claim your prize.

Don’t be fooled by tempting offers or scared by non existing viruses. The Internet is an amazing tool which most can’t imagine living without. Remember to stay aware of fraud and keep the Internet a safe and enjoyable place for the future.