Fake Virus Scanners - Should be made ILLEGAL!

[Ruinous]

Should also probably note that if you've taken the appropriate steps before something like this happens, most of the time you wont need to search the internet for solutions to a problem you already have. Disconnect the infected machine from the internet ASAP to prevent it spreading anything across your LAN or downloading more malware onto the machine in question.

[jval2529]

Originally Posted by Ashimar [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

I'm talking about those ones that pop up out of nowhere, That you DID NOT download. they alledgedly "Scan your system" and then they claim to find "Malware and Trojan viruses"
you are then asked if you want to remove the viruses, but you have to "pay
a fee", and it can only be done with a "credit card."

Its a good way to hack into a stupid persons computer.

Its misleading to say the least. Once they have your info, they will
make unauthorized charges to your CC account, then, when you have installed the rogue virus scanner, which itself is really a virus, all information on your computer is compromised. I've never fallen for this scam. Have you?

Actually they are illegal, I forgot where I read this but it's known as scareware and I THINK it's illegal in some states.

I'm actually not sure how these work, I've never put a card on them, but im pretty sure most viruses make your computer a drone that sends e-mails to other people. The infamous "Nigerian scammers" are an example of this,if they got the info off just your computer they only get 1 or 2 credit cards, if they trick thousands of people into sending them money by controling your computer via a virus it will be more useful to them.

I think these programs actually don't give you viruses, they are considered malware but it's more snake oil than anything to get you to buy their "product."

and if you're getting those pop-ups scan your PC, use a firewall, and look through your program files, users and apps folders for stuff your don't remember installing. That's the best advise I can give. sometimes you will need special software to kill the app, scan your PC with "malwarebytes" ironically it's a free anti malware repair program. I do not condone you messing with your system files mannually if you don't know what you're doing though.