Customers are panicked into buying far more antivirus software than they need, says Steve Bonnici of Chiswick Computers

Not just me, then

One of the most anxiety-inducing phrases of modern life is the one that flashes up to tell you that your computer antivirus software has run out and the information you keep on your computer – basically all you need to operate your home and work life – is under threat of attack from person or persons unknown.

You could of course just hastily buy one of the top brands of antivirus software, on the assumption you need protection and they are not the top brands for nothing, or you could do the job properly, do your research and have a proper look at what is available.

But it is not just a question of buying the right package. It is also a matter of staying on top of what coverage you already have and not buying more than you need. I thought it was just me being a bit flaky about this, because let’s face it, it is tedious, but far cleverer and more diligent people than I have ended up wasting money because finding out what you need and when you need it, can be quite opake.

The consumer magazine Which? says: “time and time again our tests have found selling practices from antivirus companies that could make you feel anything but secure. Theses include unexpected payments, account settings that are difficult to change, and terms and conditions that potentially broke the law.”

The hidden traps involved could end up costing you hundreds of pounds, they say.

Customers are routinely oversold antivirus products, says Steve Bonnici of Chiswick Computers

Steve Bonnici, who owns Chiswick Computers in King St, Hammersmith, is a Which? ‘Trusted Trader’. He routinely finds his customers are being caught out by this.

Last year, during a routine check, he found that since late 2017 one of his customers had paid more than £730 for security software from AVG and was paying for Multiple VPN and anti-track subscriptions that were not being used. In 2021 alone, his customer had spent £254 on duplicated AVG subscriptions.

“It’s very rare to find someone that doesn’t have multiple subscriptions for the same products, or who hasn’t been oversold something” Steve told Which? Computing.

Even he finds cancelling antivirus subscriptions quite complicated. Customers less experienced than he is “probably give up”, he said.

Some antivirus companies harass customers with messages which make them think they have to act immediately to prevent harm, even though they are already covered.

“They pop up something on the screen, and it repeatedly pops up, saying “look what we found, fix me, click on me, fix me. You need to buy this”.

Which? Computing offer details of how you can check what you need and how much you should be paying: which.co.uk/l/computing

Steve offers routine health checks on computers, as well as fixing them when they are not working. Chiswick Computers is a member of The Chiswick Calendar’s Club Card scheme, offering a 10% discount on all labour costs.

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