A number of fake anti-spyware programs have been released by malicious programmers, and widely-distributed Web banner ads now falsely warn users that their computers have been infected with spyware, enticing them to purchase programs which do not actually remove spyware - or worse, may add more.

Antivermins

AntiVirus Gold

Brave Sentry

Cleanator

ContraVirus

errorsafe

IEDefender

PAL Spyware Remover

Pest Trap

PSGuard

Security toolbar 7.1

Spy Sheriff

Spy Wiper

SpyAxe

SpyCrush

Spylocked

Spyware Cleaner

Spyware Quake

SpywareStrike

SystemDoctor

Malware Alarm

WinAntiVirus Pro 2006

WinFixer

WorldAntiSpy

On 2006-01-26, Microsoft and the Washington state attorney general filed suit against Secure Computer for its Spyware Cleaner product. The case was a success and resulted in a $1 million penalty. Following on from this case, WinFixer, the rogue most often found in suspect situations, now has a class action lawsuit filed against it the Superior Court of California.