A class action lawsuit recently filed in a California federal court alleges that the security software company Symantec used deceptive software-known as "scareware-to trick computer users. According to the complaint, Symantec's software led users to believe that it scanned their computer for viruses and could fix their computers, when in fact it did nothing but falsely report threats in an effort to convince users to buy Symantec's products.On January 11, 2012, a Symantec spokesperson stated that the company was aware of the allegations, but declined to comment further.

Regardless of whether the suit is successful, it may raise awareness among consumers of the very real threat posed by scareware.

Scareware often appears in the form of pop-up windows offering to scan the user's computer for viruses and other harmful software. If the user agrees, the scareware reports-often in ominous, alarming language-that the computer is infected, even if it is not. The scareware often asks the user to purchase security software to combat the problem. The pop-up windows are generally designed to look like messages generated by the user's own computer, or by reputable security companies.

At best, user tricked by scareware buy security software that they don't need, or that does nothing to improve their computers' performance. At worst, the scareware may allow scammers to download malicious programs or assist the scammers in committing identity theft against users, stealing their personal information and creating financial messes that may take years to clean up.

Users who wish to avoid being taken in by scareware should make sure that their firewalls and other protective software are strong and up to date, and deal only with trusted security software providers. Most importantly, users should avoid making purchases or accepting "free" scans through pop-up windows.