Free Download Helps Find and Destroy Hoax Antivirus Tool

XP Antivirus Remover helps find and eliminate the XP Antivirus scam.

[USPRwire, Thu May 13 2010] As a courtesy to its customers, ConsumerSoft has created XP Antivirus Remover, a free download that helps find and remove most strains of a widespread "rogue security" program that tries to scare, and scam, PC users.

First discovered in 2008, the XP Antivirus is a "scareware" or hoax antivirus application that resembles a genuine antivirus tool. After infecting the PC, it claims to detect spyware or other malicious code, then prompts the user to give credit card information to purchase a "full version" of the useless product.

While most strains of XP Antivirus rarely engage in keylogging or other spyware tactics, they can alter the Windows registry, changing desktop shortcuts to links to porn websites or generating fake "blue screens of death" to trick the user into thinking the computer has been damaged by malware.

Also known as MS Antivirus, Antivirus Windows 7, and scores of other names, these bogus programs are incredibly profitable for the Internet's thriving criminal underworld. A company called Innovative Marketing Ukraine, credited with creating the first strain of this infection and shut down by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission last year, made over $180 million in one year through this method, according to reports. And a rival fake antivirus program earned some of its scammers close to $160,000 a week for their efforts, according to The New York Times.

"To help protect our customers and the public, a programmer at ConsumerSoft designed this free download to help stop scammers in their tracks," says Trisha Burns, senior director of sales and marketing for ConsumerSoft. "As computer users get more sophisticated and protect themselves from spam emails, hoaxed websites and other dangers, criminals are finding newer and more vicious ways to hoodwink PC users. Hoax antivirus programs are just one of the newest weapons in their arsenal."

To obtain the free download or learn more, visit www.xpantivirusremover.com.

About ConsumerSoft

Founded in 2006, ConsumerSoft spent two years in R&D before launching the My Faster PC diagnostic and maintenance tool that has revolutionized the consumer utilities market. The New York-based company is an industry leader in making professional PC performance-enhancing technology accessible to all PC owners - a mission it achieves through intuitive user interfaces, low price points, and by providing top tier technical support. More information can be found at www.consumersoft.com.