The Thief-Ware Planá

You are enticed to download a desired program. The software (we refer to it as Thief-Ware) is bundled with the desired program. When you install the desired program, it also prompts you to install the Thief-Ware program. This all appears very seamless. There is usually some mention of agreement on your part to install this Thief-Ware as you click the OK button to continue. Because it is presented in such a fluid manner, many do not take the time to notice what was installed.

When the person surfs the net, they begin to notice abnormal links on many of the Web pages. Many don't know how they get there (unless they remember or realize that the software they installed put the links there), but they soon realize there are actual links. These links are not placed there by the Web site designer but have been super-imposed over certain words. Another program in the past super-imposed graphic ads that usually matched the same dimensions as the original ads on the page. Because the super-imposed graphics were the same size, they appeared to belong to the page. The super-imposed ads have been discontinued.