Fake Antivirus Malware Alerts Scam
Americans lost $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, according to the FTC.
Quick Answer
Fake antivirus alerts are fraudulent pop-up messages designed to trick you into believing your device is infected with malware, leading to financial losses that are part of the broader tech support scam category, which cost victims over $1.3 billion in 2023 according to the FBI.
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How It Works
1
A deceptive pop-up alert suddenly appears while browsing the internet. This message is designed to look like a legitimate security warning from a well-known tech company like Microsoft or Apple, or a major antivirus vendor.
2
The alert uses urgent and alarming language, such as "Your computer is infected!" or "Threats Detected!" and often includes flashing lights, loud noises, or a countdown timer to create a sense of panic. The message instructs you to call a toll-free number for immediate technical support to fix the non-existent problem.
3
If you call the number, a fake technician pressures you into giving them remote access to your computer. Once connected, they may pretend to run scans and show you normal system files as evidence of a virus, ultimately demanding payment for useless software, unnecessary repairs, or a long-term service contract.
Red Flags
- Unsolicited pop-up warnings that take over your screen and are difficult to close.
- Alerts that use urgent, alarming language and demand immediate action.
- The warning provides a phone number and instructs you to call for technical support.
- The message uses logos from well-known companies like Microsoft or Apple, but the alert itself appears within your web browser, not from your operating system.
- You are prompted to download software or grant a stranger remote access to your device.
- The 'technician' insists on payment via wire transfer, gift cards, payment apps, or cryptocurrency.
What to Do If Targeted
- Do not click on anything in the pop-up window. Do not call the phone number provided.
- If you cannot close the browser window normally, use Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc on Windows) or Force Quit (Option+Command+Esc on Mac) to close the application.
- Disconnect your computer from the internet to prevent any potential malware from communicating with scammers.
- Restart your computer and run a security scan with your legitimate, up-to-date antivirus software.
- If you paid a scammer, contact your bank or credit card company immediately to dispute the charge and report the fraud.
- If you gave a scammer remote access, update your passwords, check for unauthorized software, and consider having your device professionally checked.
How to Report It
- FTC — File a fraud report with the Federal Trade Commission to help with law enforcement investigations.
- FBI IC3 — Report internet crime to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
- FCC — File a complaint about phone scams, robocalls, or unwanted calls with the Federal Communications Commission.
- AARP Fraud Helpline — Call 877-908-3360 for free support from trained fraud specialists. Available to anyone, not just AARP members.
Key Statistics
- In 2023, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received reports of over $1.3 billion in losses from tech and customer support scams, a category that includes fake virus alerts. — FBI IC3 2023 Internet Crime Report
- Victims over the age of 60 accounted for 58% of the losses to tech support scams in 2023, losing over $770 million. — FBI IC3 2023 Internet Crime Report
- In 2023, the FTC received nearly 52,000 reports of scams where criminals impersonated Best Buy or its Geek Squad tech support service. — FTC Data Spotlight May 2024
- Total reported losses to all types of fraud reached over $10 billion in 2023, a 14% increase from 2022. — FTC Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2023
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Frequently Asked Questions
A fake antivirus alert is a deceptive pop-up message that appears in your web browser claiming your device is infected with viruses. These scams, also known as scareware, aim to frighten you into calling a fraudulent tech support number or downloading malicious software. Their goal is to steal your personal information or money.
Generally, no. The fake warning itself is not a virus but a scam tactic delivered through malicious advertising or a compromised website. However, if you interact with the pop-up by clicking links or downloading files, you could install actual malware on your device.
Tech support scams, which include fake virus alerts, resulted in over $1.3 billion in losses in 2023, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Victims over the age of 60 are disproportionately affected, accounting for 58% of these losses, totaling nearly $770 million.
No, legitimate technology companies like Microsoft and Apple do not display pop-up warnings that ask you to call a phone number. Real security alerts from your operating system or antivirus software will not request that you call support or demand payment to fix a problem.
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