So I was using Facebook and suddenly I get a message from Facebook saying I have a virus and my account has been blocked. SO I go through the steps to verify my identity but the 3rd step wants me to download MacAfee’s virus scanning product. this is what it says:”

1. Step 1

   Verify Account

2. Step 2

   Education

3. Step 3

   Scan And Repair

4. Step 4

   Change Password

5. Step 5

   Restore Account

McAfee Scan and Repair

We’re pleased to offer McAfee Scan and Repair to you at no charge. If any infected files are found, McAfee Scan and Repair can remove them for you automatically. If you prefer, you can also remove them yourself.

By clicking this button, you are agreeing to the McAfee Scan and Repair terms of service.”

Now notice the text says “If you prefer, you can also remove them yourself.” So preferring to use products I know and trust I did three deep scans of my system with three reputable products that found no virus on my computer. One of the scans was in windows safe mode. I also examined my registry and my cleaned all my caches and uninstalled and reinstalled  my browsers Chrome and Firefox.

Now you might think this was a fairly vigorous checking of my computer for viruses. I would agree with you. But Facebook does not and still wants me to install a product that I do not trust-McAfee – even though their text on their website says “If you prefer, you can also remove them yourself.”  This is obviously not the case and as Facebook has a business relationship with McAfee, my wants are irrelevant to its pushing their partner product.

This is a shoddy way to do business and a horrible way to work with your users who have taken every measure to ensure that their machine is not infected by a virus except use your partner product . No where in the 5 steps does Facebook offer an alternative to their partner product. This can only mean one thing. It can only mean that Facebook is completely disinterested in your wants and is only interested in ensuring they get the fee for every download and installation of MacAfee. This makes Facebook no better than the shady websites that tell you you have a virus and try to trick an unwary user into downloading a software – usually spyware – that they do not want.

Shame on Facebook and shame on MacAfee for such unscrupulous tactics and forcing on users an unreasonable demand. I feel especially sorry for those out there without the technical awareness to realize they are being duped and having possibly conflicting anti-virus programs on their system.