Don’t be tricked by Scare-ware!
Don’t be tricked by Scare-ware
Computer viruses and malware have been a problem for a long time. Cyber-criminals are always looking for ways to take advantage of unsuspecting computer users. A common scheme that is frequently used is scare-ware. Scare-ware is something that may appear to be helpful to your computer; however, it’s often a trick to scam unsuspecting users into paying for a service that will do more harm than good.
To prevent being scammed here are a few things to consider:
- Make sure you have an up-to-date, trustworthy, antivirus program installed on your computer. Note: The U.S. Department of Justice advises against buying computer security products that use unsolicited “free computer scans” to sell their products.
- Even if you feel your computer is protected from these phony antivirus scams they can sometimes easily find their way to your PC.
- Keep in mind, most malware attacks occur on Windows-based computers.
How should you deal with a scare-ware attack?
If a virus alert appears on your screen, and it’s not from a program you have installed in your PC, stop and think before you do anything. Most importantly don’t touch it.
- Don’t run a “free” scan and don’t try to close the window.
- Shut your browser using Task Manager (control + alt + delete) or turn off the machine.
- If you continue to get these virus alert pop-up messages you may want to take your PC to a professional to have cleaned.
Try to become familiar with the way your real anti-virus software on your computer looks and behaves. If you know what a real warning message looks like, it will be easier to spot a fake.
