Consumer Fraud Reporting
Anti-Spyware Tools
Reporting on the Latest Frauds, Scams, Fake Lotteries, Spams and Hoaxes

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Anti-Spyware Tools

Below is a fairly comprehensive list of the antispyware products available that we have reviewed and have been in the market place for more than a few months. Some are free, some cost a little, and some cost a lot. Our recommendations are highlighted. Anti-virus packages that are popular in the marketplace are identified with an *.

Is there a difference between the free tools and the commercial products? Definitely. The free tools are certainly better than using nothing, but obviously, those companies do not have the staff or resources to continually research and update their products as the commercial products do.

Commercial Spyware Detection and Removal Programs

Free Detection and Removal Tools

Downloaded Detection and Removal Programs

Lavasoft Ad-aware (Warning: our testing has not found favorable results - it didn't remove all spyware and adware - with the free version of this product. We have not tested their commercial product)
Spybot Search & Destroy also available here

Web-based Tools (most only detect spyware and adware)

Alken - Cult of the amazing puffins
Parasite Check
EarthLink Spy Audit - nice free scanning tool (but like all scanners-only, it does not remove what it finds)
EarthLink Spyware Blocker
Bazooka Adware & Spyware Scanner
PestScan - Online Scanner
SpywareGuide.com ActiveX Spyware Scanning
SpywareInfo - Online Scanner
Sunbelt - Free Online Scanner
Webroot Spy Audit
Webroot Corporate Spy Audit
Winguard Spyware Detector
X-Cleaner Free or here as a direct download