What Exactly Is 'Scareware'? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Internet, Networking, & Security > Antivirus 42 42 people found this article helpful

What Exactly Is 'Scareware'?

By Paul Gil Paul Gil Writer Paul Gil, a former Lifewire writer who is also known for his dynamic internet and database courses and has been active in technology fields for over two decades. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on May 17, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Antivirus Online Scams Social Media Scams Email Scams Phone & Texting Scams Scareware is deception software. It is also known as "rogue scanner" software or "fraudware," the purpose of which is to frighten people into purchasing and installing it. Just like any trojan software, scareware deceives unwitting users into double-clicking and installing the product. In the case of scareware, the scam tactic is to display frightening screens of your computer being attacked, and then the scareware will make claims to be the antivirus solution to those attacks. Hailshadow / Getty Images Scareware and rogue scanners have become a multimillion-dollar scam business, and thousands of users fall for this online scam every month. Preying on people's fear and lack of technical knowledge, scareware products will bilk a person for $19.95, just by displaying a bogus screen of a virus attack.

What Exactly Does a Scareware Screen Look Like

Scareware scammers use fake versions of virus alerts and other system problem messages. These fake screens are often very convincing and typically fool the majority of the users who seem them.

What Are Example Scareware Products I Should Watch For

The following links are examples of scareware products that you should be on the lookout for. SpySheriffXP AntivirusTotal SecureAdwarePunisher

How Scareware Attacks People

Scareware can attack you in any combination of three different ways: Accessing your credit card: Scareware may deceive you into paying money for fake antivirus software. Identity theft: Scareware may invade your computer and attempt to record your keystrokes and banking/personal information. "Zombie" your computer: Scareware may attempt to take remote control of your machine to serve as a spam-sending zombie robot.

How Do I Defend Against Scareware

Defending against any online scam or con game is about being skeptical and vigilant: always question any offer, paid or free, whenever a window appears and says you should download and install something. Use only a legitimate antivirus/antispyware product that you trust. Read emails in plain text. Avoiding HTML email is not cosmetically pleasing with all the graphics taken out, but the spartan appearance circumvents fraudware by displaying the suspicious HTML links. Never open file attachments from strangers, or anyone offering software services. Distrust any email offer that includes attachments: these emails are nearly always scams, and you should immediately delete these messages before they infect your computer. Be skeptical of any online offers, and be ready to close your browser immediately. If the web page you have found gives you any sense of alarm, pressing ALT-F4 on your keyboard will shut down your browser and stop any scareware from getting downloaded. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Are iPads Really That Safe from Viruses and Malware? DNS Servers: What Are They and Why Are They Used? What's Conhost.exe in Windows? What Does it Do? What Exactly Is Bitmoji? What lsass.exe Is & How It Affects Your Computer How to Remove That Microsoft Warning Alert What Is IAStorIcon.exe? 8 Tips on Basic Computer Safety How to Start System Restore From the Command Prompt Is Google Play Safe? How to Know if AirPods Are Real Scanguard Ultimate Antivirus Review: Everything You Need to Know Can You See Who Views Your Facebook Profile? How to Buy and Sell Safely on Craigslist How to Fake a GPS Location on Your Phone What Is a Windows SmartScreen Filter? Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies