“Free Security Scan” Scam Costs Money and Time
August 25th, 2011 | Published in free security scan
There seem to be messages everywhere telling you to install and update security software for your computer. It might be tempting to take up an offer of a “free security scan,” especially when you get a pop-up, an email, or an ad that claims “malicious software” has already been found on your machine. More likely the scary message is a con.
Your free security scan naturally claims to find a bunch of problems, and within seconds, you’re getting important pop-ups to buy security software. After you shell out $40 or more on the software, the program tells you that your problems are fixed. The problem is there was nothing to fix in the first place. Worse, now you've got some dangerous program installed on your computer.
Here's the problem. Though the “alerts” look like they’re being generated by your computer, they actually are created by a con artist and sent through your Internet browser.
These scams have many variations, but there are some telltale signs. For example
- You could get pop-ups that claim your security software is out-of-date and your computer is in immediate danger.
- You may get ads that promise to “delete viruses or spyware,” “protect privacy,” “improve computer function,” “remove harmful files,” or “clean your registry;”
- You may be invited to download free software for a security scan or to improve your system;
- You may get “alerts” about “malicious software” or “illegal pornography on your computer;”
- You may suddenly encounter an unfamiliar website that claims to have performed a security scan and prompts you to download new software;
- Your search results redirected to strange pages.
What to Do
If you’re faced with any of the warning signs of a scam or suspect a problem, shut down your browser. Don’t click “No” or “Cancel,” or even the “x” at the top right corner of the screen. Some of these programs are designed so that any of those buttons can activate the program. If you use Windows, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete to open your Task Manager, and click “End Task.” If you use a Mac, press Command + Option + Q + Esc to “Force Quit.”
If you get an offer, check out the program by entering the name in a search engine. The results can help you determine if the program is on the level.
If you find your search results redirected, you may be infected with a redirecting virus. You may need a stand-alone tool designed specifically to remove this stubborn virus. One tool guaranteed to do the job is Fix Redirect Virus.
