We've been keeping an eye on several misleading advertisements, so we'd like to bring it to your attention too.
Brian Livingstons IT Management column on Earthweb.com tipped us off to a report released last week by anti-spyware researcher, Ben Edelman, criticizing Google for "False and Deceptive Pay-Per-Click Ads."

Edelman gives examples of how searches on Google for free programs, like Firefoxs web browser, cell phone ring tones, and anti-spyware software often result in displaying ads for "free" software. However, the products being advertised for are only available from the specific site if you pay a subscription fee.

The danger is that if you are an inexperienced user or are in a rush, you may not realize that the software is offered for free somewhere else, and you may pay these false advertisers by mistake.

Googles response has been that when it realizes an ad is deceptive, it is removed from the site.

We recommend, though, that you always do some research of your own before you download, to be sure you are not being scammed. And remember, you should never have to pay for our Ad-Aware SE Personal product, which is always free of charge!