
SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years

“Warning: Your Device Is Infected”
Almost every internet user has had at least one run-in with scareware, one of the most lucrative forms of malware. A telltale sign of scareware is a sudden frightening prompt claiming a virus has been detected. Knowing this and other signs can prevent you from getting scammed.
What Is Scareware?
Scareware is the introduction point for Tech Support Scams by trying to convince consumers that their device is infected or compromised.
Scareware is typically heralded by an ad with a big warning button saying your device is infected, or that somehow your privacy or finances are at risk. Scammers cast their lures both on desktop computers and mobile phones, making the scareware a platform-agnostic menace.
According to BitDefender: Scareware is both malware and a social engineering tactic meant to cause shock, anxiety or fear to manipulate users into buying a program or service to fix it. It sits in the same class as ransomware, as both threats seek to manipulate the victim into paying the scammer.
Some forms of spyware also qualify as scareware. These versions of spyware change the user’s desktop background or install icons in the notification area and claim that some kind of virus has infected the computer. The scareware app then advertises itself as the fix to this problem.
Pop-Ups From Hell
One of the first signs you’re dealing with scareware is the menacing nature of the pop-up ad bulging and blinking at you to take action. These are typically very difficult to close, and in fact, ANY click on them can hijack you to the scammer’s website. The best solution is to either close the browser tab (if it will let you) or close the browser completely. Then restart the browser clean and navigate to where you need to be.
IMPORTANT: if you close your browser, DO NOT RESTORE your previously open tabs – since this will reopen the Scareware too. If you need to, go into the history in your browser and click on the recent pages to open them again.
Ads Too!
Another is the name of the advertised product meant to rid you of the threat. The ‘solution’ typically contains the name Cleaner, Defender or Remover.
DON’T CLICK ON ANYTHING – ESPECIALLY DO NOT SELECT ANY OFFERED PRODUCT OR SERVICE!
Not only is this virus remover fictional or non-functional, but it may also even harbor additional malware.
Tech Support Scammers
Tech support scammers – like those exposed by Kitboga and Scammer Payback – use these exact tricks to get into victims’ heads and persuade them to transfer money or buy gift cards and relay back the codes.
Many will go to great lengths to persuade the victim to install remote-desktop software, like TeamViewer, so the scammer can take over the victim’s computer. The scammer’s true goal here is to pilfer login credentials, banking information, or personal files for extortion. Never give strangers remote access to your computer! Don’t do it!
How To Defend Yourself
Always be on the lookout for these signs. Remember, ads that sound a bit too threatening or scary are most likely an attempt to land a real threat on your system.
Only buy antivirus software from reputable sources.
We recommend either MalwareBytes or BitDefender – both are world-class anti-malware protection.
AV vendors will promote awareness around a threat, leaving it to the user to decide which solution works best for them. Reputable vendors will never use scare tactics to frighten the user into buying a “virus remover.”
Portions courtesy: BitDefender
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Important Information for New Scam Victims
- Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims & Sextortion Victims
- Enroll in FREE SCARS Scam Survivor’s School now at www.SCARSeducation.org
- Please visit www.ScamPsychology.org – to more fully understand the psychological concepts involved in scams and scam victim recovery
If you are looking for local trauma counselors please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org or join SCARS for our counseling/therapy benefit: membership.AgainstScams.org
If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
A Note About Labeling!
We often use the term ‘scam victim’ in our articles, but this is a convenience to help those searching for information in search engines like Google. It is just a convenience and has no deeper meaning. If you have come through such an experience, YOU are a Survivor! It was not your fault. You are not alone! Axios!
A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
Statement About Victim Blaming
Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and to not blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and to help victims avoid scams in the future. At times this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims, we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.
These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.
Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this article is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here to go to our ScamsNOW.com website.
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