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Scaring Scareware

I know you've been there. Your computer is happily chugging along, and all of a sudden a pop-up warns of a virus, critical performance problem or some other such catastrophe. Being the IT guru that you are, you ignore it, knowing it's all a scam.

Not everyone is so smart. Plenty click on the pop-ups and buy the unnecessary -- and often bogus -- security software offered. I had a whole machine destroyed this way, and I never even clicked the link! I swear!

Microsoft is working with the state of Washington to sue companies that exploit Windows to deliver these misleading pop-ups. I hope Microsoft and the state attorneys kick some major pop-up butt.

Have you or anyone you know been victimized by this garbage? Horror stories welcome at [email protected].

Posted by Doug Barney on October 02, 2008


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