It's hard to believe that numerically speaking, the vast majority of software available on the web that is supposedly designed to rid your systems of malware, spyware and adware, is actually malware, spyware or adware. The general web public must be highly naive to fall for these sorts of crazy come-ons, but it does seem that there is never any lack of business flowing to these out and out scam artist sites.

There are various and completely functional and legitimate free anti-spyware scanners:

• Ad-aware Personal Edition
• AVG Anti-Spyware
• Spybot Search & Destroy
• SUPERAntiSpyware
• Windows Defender

As there are superlative free online anti-virus scanners:

• BitDefender
• Command on Demand
• eTrust AntiVirus
• Ewido Online Scan
• McAfee FreeScan
• Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool
• Panda ActiveScan
• ScanOnline
• Trend Micro Anti-Spyware for the Web
• Trend Micro HouseCall
• Web Scanner

However, all of the sites listed below to some degree engage in deceptive advertising, but some will give you false positives, others will hijack your browser or even your desktop, while the worst of the lot will plant all sorts of malware, spyware, viruses and trojans on your hard drive. Before falling prey to any email or pop up advertisement which claims that such and such a software will rid your system of such and such a peril, just do a "find" function on this page with the URL that you're being tempted into visiting. If it shows up on this page under this line, then avoid at all costs!

• 100 Percent Anti-Spyware
• scosoft.com
• 1 Click Spy Clean
• 1clickspyclean.com
• 1clicksuite.net
• #1 Spyware Killer
• 1spywarekiller.com
• surfertools.com
• 1stAntiVirus
• 1stantivirus.com
• innovagest2000.com
• 2004 Adware/Spyware Remover & Blocker
• adware.storesbiz.com
• spy.storebiz4u.com
• about:blank 2005
• aboutblankremover.com
• Ad Armor
• adarmor.com
• AdDriller
• addriller.com
• cdmworldsoftware.com
• Ad-Eliminator
• ad-eliminator.com
• adeliminator.net
• AdProtector
• adprotector.com
• protectorsuite.com
• redv.net
• Ad-Purge Adware & Spyware Remover
• rebrandsoftware.com
• Ads Alert
• pcprivacysoftware.com
• ADS Adware Remover
• adware-remover.net
• Adware Agent
• killersoftware.com
• AdwareBazooka
• adwarebazooka.com
• adware-bazooka.com
• Adware Cops
• adwarecops.com
• bulletproofsoft.com
• AdwareDelete
• adwaredelete.com
• adware-delete.com
• qspyware.com
• AdwareDeluxe
• adwaredeluxe.com
• platinumparter.com
• Adware Finder
• adwarefinder.com
• engagemarketing.com
• Adware Hitman
• adwarehitman.com
• AdwareHunter
• adwarehunter.com
• browser-page.com
• Adware-Nuker
• registry-doctor.com
• AdwarePatrol
• adwarepatrol.com
• AdwarePro
• adwarepro.com
• AdwarePunisher
• adwarepunisher.com
• adware-punisher.com
• Adware Remover
• adwareprotectionsite.com
• platinumpartner.com
• AdwareRemover
• adwareremover.ws
• platinumparter.com
• AdwareSafe
• adwaresafe.com
• AdwareSafety
• adwaresafety.com
• platinumparter.com
• Adware Sheriff
• adwaresheriff.com
• adwaresheriff.net
• sheriffcash.com
• AdwareSpy
• adwarespy.com
• spywarespy.com
• AdWare SpyWare Blocker & Removal
• adwarespywareremoval.com
• Adware & Spyware Firewall
• flyyasoft.com
• Adware/Spyware Remover
• adware.storesbiz.com
• spy.storebiz4u.com
• Adware Striker
• adwarestriker.com
• bulletproofsoft.com
• AdwareTools
• adwaretools.com
• platinumparter.com
• AdwareX
• adware.com
• AdwareX Eliminator
• adwarexeliminator.com
• athivision.com
• Ad-Where 2005
• ad-where.com
• privacytools2004.com
• adwarespyware.net
• Agent Spyware
• agentspyware.com
• AGuardDog Adware/Spyware Remover
• aguarddog.com
• AlertSpy
• alertspy.com
• adwaredeluxe.com
• adwarexterminator.com
• platinumparter.com
• AlfaCleaner
• alfacleaner.com
• innovagest2000.com
• AntiSpy Advanced
• antispyadvanced.com
• Anti-Spyware Blocker
• anti-viruses.net
• your-soft.com
• AntiSpyware Soldier
• antispywaresoldier.com
• AntiSpyZone
• antispyzone.com
• AntiVermins (AntiVerminser)
• antivermins.com
• AntiVirusAdvance
• antivirusadvance.com
• Antivirus Email
• antivirus-email.com
• AntiVirus Gold /
• AntiVirus Golden
• antivirus-gold.com
• antivirusgolden.com
• AntivirusPCSuite
• antiviruspcsuite.com
• Anti Virus Pro
• anti-virus-pro.com
• innovagest2000.com
• AntiVirus Protector
• antivirusprotectionsite.com
• antivirusprotector.com
• antiviruspremium.com
• virusscansite.com
• platinumpartner.com
• Antivirus Solution
• 6d-antivirus.com
• platinumpartner.com
• Anti-Virus&Spyware
• anti-viruses.net
• your-soft.com
• ArmorWall
• armor2net.com
• spywarekiller.net
• AVSystemCare
• avsystemcare.com
• BestGuardPlatinum
• bestguardplatinum.com
• Botsquash
• botsquash.com
• BPS Spyware & Adware Remover
• bulletproofsoft.com
• spywarecops.com
• Brave Sentry
• bravesentry.com
• BreakSpyware
• breakspyware.com
• CheckFlow CheckSpy & Anti Spyware 2005
• checkspy.com
• checkflow.com
• CleanX
• cleanx.co.kr
• Consumer Identity
• consumeridentity.com
• ContraVirus
• contra-virus.com
• Copperhead AntiSpyware
• copperheadsecurity.com
• CurePCSolution
• curepcsolutions.com
• DIARemover
• diaremover.com
• Doctor Adware
• doctoradware.com
• no-spy-ware.com
• platinumparter.com
• Doctor Adware Pro
• doctoradwarepro.com
• alertspy.com
• Easy Erase Spyware Remover
• easyerase.com
• Easy Spyware Killer
• easyspywarekiller.com
• Elimiware
• elimiware.com
• professionalcash.com
• ETD Security Scanner
• etdscanner.com
• ExpertAntiVirus
• expertantivirus.com
• Fixer AntiSpy
• fixerantispy.com
• Flobo Free Anti Spyware Clean
• floborecovery.com
• Freeze.com AntiSpyware
• freeze.com
• Froggie Scan
• software4yoursuccess.com
• GoodbyeSpy
• tekeffect.com
• GuardBar
• guardbar.com
• HitVirus
• hitvirus.com
• IC Spyware Scanner
• allume.com
• aladdinsys.com
• InternetAntiSpy
• internetantispy.com
• zendmedia.com
• Internet Cleanup
• allume.com
• aladdinsys.com
• InternetShield
• internetshield.com
• softwareonline.com
• certified-safe-downloads.com
• iSpyKiller
• ispykiller.com
• esunsofttechnologies.com
• JC Spyware Remover & Adware Killer
• jcspyware-remover.com
• KaZaaP
• kazaap.org
• KillAllSpyware
• killallspyware.com
• mainstreamdollars.com
• KillAndClean
• killandclean.com
• KillSpy
• killspy.net
• MalwareAlarm
• malwarealarm.com
• MalwareScanner
• spywarecops.com
• bulletproofsoft.com
• Malware Stopper
• malware-stopper.com
• malwarepanacea.com
• MalwareWipe / MalwareWiper / MalwareWiped
• malwarewipe.com
• malwarewiped.com
• Max Privacy Protector
• maxprivacyprotector.com
• esunsofttechnologies.com
• MicroAntivirus
• microantivirus.com
• microantivirusxp.com
• platinumparter.com
• Mr.AntiSpy
• mrantispy.com
• MyNetProtector
• mynetprotector.com
• MySpyFreePC
• myspyfreepc.com
• esunsofttechnologies.com
• MySpyProtector
• myspyprotector.com
• NeoSpace
• neospacelab.com
• NetSpyProtector
• netspyprotector.com
• spybot-spyware-removal.com
• NoSpyX
• nospyx.com
• interesoft.com
• spywareboard.com
• Oxford Spyware Remover
• oxfordspywareremover.com
• PAL Emergency Response
• palsol.com
• palsol.biz
• palsol.net
• PAL Spyware Remover
• palsol.com
• palsol.biz
• palsol.net
• PC AdWare SpyWare Removal
• pcadwareremoval.com
• PCArmor
• pcarmor.net
• PC Health Plan
• pchealthplan.com
• PerfectCleaner
• perfect-cleaner.com
• PestBot
• pestbot.com
• platinumparter.com
• PestCapture
• pestcapture.com
• PestProtector
• pestprotector.com
• platinumparter.com
• PestTrap
• pesttrap.com
• xpesttrap.com
• PestWiper
• pest-wiper.com
• pestwiper.com
• Privacy Champion
• privacychampion.com
• Privacy Crusader
• egeosoftware.com
• redemptionengine.com
• rewardsengine.com
• Privacy Defender
• pcsecurityshield.com
• Protect Your Identity
• myspywarescan.com
• PSGuard
• psguard.com
• PurityScan /
• PuritySweep
• clickspring.net
• purityscan.com
• puritysweep.com
• QuickCleaner
• quickcleaner.com
• RazeSpyware
• razespyware.com
• razespyware.net
• spywaredollars.com
• Real AdWareRemoverGold
• adwareremovergold.com
• adremovergold.com
• RegFreeze
• actualresearch.com
• antispylab.com
• regfreeze.com
• regfreeze.net
• sheriffcash.com
• ad-soft.net
• RemedyAntiSpy
• remedyantispy.com
• remedy-antispy.com
• Safe & Clean (Scan & Clean)
• scanandclean.com
• SafeWebSurfer
• safewebsurfer.com
• SamuraiSpy
• samuraispy.com
• Scan & Repair Utilities 2006
• scanandrepair.com
• ScanSpyware
• scanspyware.net
• Scumware-Remover
• scumware-remover.org
• smartestsearch.com
• 66.79.171.75
• SecureMyPC
• softsky.com.ua
• gsiconcepts.com
• Security iGuard
• securityiguard.com
• privacycash.com
• SlimShield
• slimshield.com
• spyware-wiper.com
• SmartSecurity
• smart-security.info
• Spy-Ad Exterminator Pro
• oreware.com
• SpyAdvanced
• spyadvanced.com
• Spy Analyst
• spyanalyst.com
• Spy Annihilator
• adwaresoft.com
• SpyAssassin
• spyassassin.com
• SpyAssault
• spyassault.com
• SpyAway
• spy-away.com
• SpyAxe
• spyaxe.com
• spyaxe.biz
• spyaxe.net
• nospywaresoft.com
• topantispy.com
• spyaxeupdate.com
• SpyBan
• spyban.net
• SpyBeware
• spybeware.com
• SpyBlast
• spyblast.com
• advertising.com
• Spy-Block
• spy-block.com
• SpyBlocs/eBlocs.com
• eblocs.com
• networkdynamicscorp.com
• SpyBouncer
• spybouncer.com
• goggle.com
• stingware.com
• untdd.com
• SpyBurn
• neosoftlabs.com
• spyburn.palsol.biz
• SpyBuster
• spy-buster.com
• remove-spyware.com
• SpyClean
• spyclean.com
• guardwall.com
• SpyCleaner
• cleanup-adware.com
• pigeons.net
• spycleaner.net
• spycleaner-gold.com
• topdownloads.net
• SpyContra
• spycontra.com
• innovagest2000.com
• Spy-Control
• spy-control.com
• SpyCrush
• spycrush.com
• Spy Crusher
• spy-crusher.com
• SpyCut
• spycut.com
• SpyDawn
• spydawn.com
• SpyDeface
• spydeface.com
• innovagest2000.com
• Spy Defence
• spydefence.com
• SpyDeleter
• spydeleter.com
• 209.50.251.182
• SpyDemolisher
• spydemolisher.com
• spyware-cash.com
• SpyDestroy Pro
• spydestroy.com
• platinumparter.com
• Spy Detector
• spydetector.net
• SpyEliminator
• securetactics.com
• SpyFalcon
• spyfalcon.com
• SpyFerret
• onlinepcfix.com
• spyferret.com
• SpyFighter
• spyfighter.com
• SpyFirewall
• spyfirewall.com
• spybloc.com
• spyblocs.com
• SpyHeal
• spyheal.com
• SpyiBlock
• spyiblock.com
• spy-iblock.com
• SpyiKiller
• spyikiller.com
• Spyinator
• spyinator.com
• Spy-Kill
• spy-kill.com
• Spy Killer
• spy-killer.com
• maxionsoftware.com
• SpyKiller 2005
• spykiller.com
• spykillerdownload.com
• free-spyware-scan.com
• killercash.com
• safer-networking.com
• swanksoft.com
• SpyKillerPro
• spykillerpro.com
• SpyLax
• healthycomputerclub.com
• nospyware.info
• SpyLocked
• spylocked.com
• SpyMarshal
• spymarshal.com
• Spy Officer
• spyofficer.com
• SpyOnThis
• spyonthis.net
• hijack-this.net
• SpyPry
• logiguard.com
• spypry.com
• Spy Reaper
• spyreaper.com
• SpyRemover
• rizalsoftware.com
• SpySheriff
• spysheriff.com
• spy-sheriff.com
• spyware-cash.com
• antispynow.com
• fzyonline.com
• anosurfer.com
• SpyShield
• spyshield.org
• Spy-Shield
• spy- shield.com
• Spy Sniper
• pimasoft.com
• Spy Sniper Pro
• spysniper.net
• SpySoldier
• spysoldier.com
• SpySpotter
• spyspotter.com
• Spy Stalker
• spystalker.com
• Spy Striker
• spystriker.com
• bulletproofsoft.com
• SpyToaster
• spytoaster.com
• SpyTrooper
• spy-trooper.com
• spytrooper.com
• spyware-cash.com
• SpyVampire
• spyvampire.com
• SpyVest
• spyvest.com
• SpyViper
• spyviper.com
• spyxpress.com
• Spyware & Adware Removal
• synergeticsoft.com
• Spyware Annihilator
• solidlabs.com
• SpywareAssassin
• spywareassassin.com
• maxtheater.com
• xp67.com
• SpywareAvenger
• spywareavenger.com
• idownload.com
• Spyware B1aster
• spyware-b1aster-software.com
• Spyware Bomber
• spywarebomber.com
• websoftsecure.com
• SpywareBot
• spywarebot.com
• SpywareCleaner
• checkforspyware.com/sc/
• myspywarecleaner.com/sc/
• spywarecleanerdownload2.com
• spywarecleaneronline.biz
• Spyware Cleaner
• spywarecure.net
• Spyware Cops
• spywarecops.com
• bulletproofsoft.com
• Spyware C.O.P.
• spyware-cop.com
• SpywareCrusher
• spywarecrusher.com
• Spyware Defense
• spywaredefense.com
• Spyware Destroyer
• spyware-destroyer.com
• Spyware Disinfector
• spywaredisinfector.com
• SpywareHospital
• spywarehospital.com
• SpywareHound
• spywarehound.com
• Spyware Immobilizer
• halt-spyware.com
• haltspyware.info
• Spyware IT
• spywareit.com
• SpywareKilla
• spywarekilla.com
• Spyware Knight
• spywareknight.com
• Spyware Medic
• rosecitysoftware.com
• SpywareNo!
• spywareno.com
• spyware-cash.com
• Spyware & Pop-Up Utility
• softwareoasis.cc
• Spyware & Pest Remover
• spyware-pest-remover.com
• Spyware Protection Pro
• 3bsoftware.com
• Spyware Quake
• spywarequake.com
• spywarequake.info
• SpwareRemoval
• spywareremoval.ws
• platinumparter.com
• Spyware Removal Wizard
• spywareremovalwizard.com
• xtremeinnovations.net
• Spyware Remover
• topics-ent.com
• Spyware Remover
• adware.privacy-solution.com
• Spyware Remover
• advancedsearchbar.com
• Spyware Remover
• alwaysfreealways.com
• SpywareRemover
• hijack-this.com
• msantispy.com
• microsoftantispyware.net
• microsoftantispy.com
• free-spybot.com
• spy-bot.com
• SpywareRemover
• spy-ware-remover.com
• Spyware Scrapper
• spywarescrapper.com
• SpyWare Secure
• spyware-secure.com
• Spyware Sheriff
• spywaresheriff.com
• antispylab.com
• Spyware Slayer
• freepcscan.com
• Spyware Sledgehammer
• spywaresledgehammer.com
• Spyware Soft Stop
• spywaresoftstop.com
• spywaresoftstop-cash.com
• Spyware Stormer
• spywarestormer.com
• SpywareStrike
• spywarestrike.com
• Spyware Striker Pro
• ascentive.com
• Spyware-Stop
• spyware-stop.com
• SpywareTek / Spyware Removal System
• spywaretek.com
• Spyware Terminator
• invender.nl
• SpywareThis
• spywarethis.com
• achtungachtung.com
• Spyware Wizard
• spywarewizard.com
• spywarewizard.net
• SpywareXP
• spywarexp.com
• SpywareZapper
• spywarezapper.com
• SpyWiper
• mailwiper.com
• StartGuard
• startguard.net
• etrust-spyware.com
• StopGuard
• stopguard.com
• genericscanner.com
• vantagesoftware.com
• StopItBlockIt 2005
• stopitblockit.com
• Super Spyware Remover
• shareware4web.com
• System Detective
• affiliatesuccess.net
• jeanharris.com
• spyware-removal.net
• systemdetective.com
• SystemStable
• systemstable.com
• TeoSoft Anti-Spyware
• teosoft.com
• teosoft.biz
• teocash.com
• shootspyware.com
• Terminexor
• terminexor.com
• The Adware Hunter
• theadwarehunter.com
• The SpyGuard
• thespyguard.com
• the-spy-guard.com
• adwarepunisher.com
• The Spyware Detective
• thespywaredetective.com
• fastlink2.com
• TheSpywareKiller
• thespywarekiller.com
• inicom.dk
• The Spyware Shield
• thespywareshield.com
• The Web Shield
• pcspytool.com
• Titan AntiSpyware
• titanantispyware.com
• TitanShield AntiSpyware
• titanshield.com
• antispywarebox.com
• hotwinupdates.com
• cashunlim.com
• TrueWatch
• truesuite.com
• Trust Cleaner
• trustcleaner.com
• TZ Spyware Adware Remover
• trackzapper.com
• UControl
• whenu.com
• aluriasoftware.com
• Ultimate Cleaner
• ultimatecleaner.com
• Ultimate Defender
• udefender.com
• Ultimate Spyware-Adware Remover
• pimasoft.com
• UnSpyPC
• unspypc.com
• VBouncer/AdDestroyer
• spywarelabs.com
• virtualbouncer.com
• VirusBlast
• virusblast.com
• VirusBurst
• virusburst.com
• VirusBursters
• myspyprotector.com
• VirusGuard
• virusguard.com
• VirusRescue
• virusrescue.com
• WareOut Spyware Remover
• wareout.com
• WebSafe Spyware Secure
• websafesecure.com
• WinAntiSpy 2005
• winantispy.com
• winsoftware.com
• softwareprofit.com
• WinAntiSpyware 2006
• winantispyware.com
• winsoftware.com
• softwareprofit.com
• WinAntiVirus 2006
• winantivirus.com
• winsoftware.com
• softwareprofit.com
• Winhound Spyware Remover
• winhound.com
• innovagest2000.com
• Winkeeper
• winkeeper.net
• WinSOS
• winsos.com
• WorldAntiSpy
• worldantispy.com
• X-Con Spyware Destroyer
• x-conspywaredestroyer.com
• x-con.freedomofidiom.ca
• X-Spyware
• x-spyware.com
• Xmembytes AntiSpyware
• xmembytes.com
• Xspyware
• xspyware.net
• XSRemover
• xsremover.com
• innovagest2000.com
• ZoneProtect AntiSpyware
• zoneprotect.com

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