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FTC hits anti-spyware scammers with ban

A Washington-based company has been accused of providing anti-spyware software that allows spyware in.

SpywareAssassin has been shut down by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) after an investigation revealed the product did not actually work.

The FTC used SpywareAssassin on its own clean systems, only to find that it still detected spyware.

"The pop-up that announces that consumers have spyware pops up automatically, even when the computer is clean and does not have spyware installed on it," said an FTC statement.

On its website the accused company builds up the threat of spyware, persuading customer to part with $29.95 for its services.

"Spyware developers can flood you with annoying pop up ads, send you spam email, record your passwords, even steal your credit card information! In addition most spyware will give these hackers complete control over your home computer," the website shows. Currently the website shows a blank page.

According to the FTC the SpywareAssassin software does not remove the amount of spyware it claims to and could leave consumers open to the very attacks it claims to prevent. From March 10 a temporary restraining order has been placed on the company preventing it from pursuing promotion and sale of its software.

Earlier this month SC reported an anti-virus expert claimed spyware does not actually exist. Eugene Kaspersky condemned companies such as SpywareAssassin for spreading fear, uncertainty and doubt in order to sell anti-spyware products.

www.ftc.gov

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