Going back to the ‘00s—Fake antivirus scams are back

Around 15 years ago, when MSN was king and Facebook started becoming popular, fake antivirus scams were a common threat. The goal was to trick users into paying for software that was completely bogus. Many thought these scams were a thing of the past, but they’re back—and more convincing than ever.

According to the Gen Q2/2024 Threat Report,there’s been a sharp uptick for this type of scam globally. As the threat rises, it becomes essential to take a closer look at this scam and learn how to protect yourself.

Let’s dive in.

The return of the fake antivirus scam

Unfortunately, your favorite ‘00s band isn’t the only one making a comeback. Fake antivirus scams have taken the spotlight—smarter and more sophisticated than years ago. Back in the 2000s, these scams would trick you into thinking your computer was infected with viruses, prompting you to buy fake antivirus software to clean your system. The software would often do nothing—or worse, install malware.

Fast-forward to 2024, and cybercriminals have upped their game. Now, instead of promoting fake software, these scams often direct you to legitimate antivirus products—but through shady means. They exploit real brand names like Norton, Avira, and McAfee to make their scams more convincing.

You might see a pop-up on your screen that looks like a legitimate antivirus warning. It claims your computer is infected and urges you to take immediate action. The pop-up might even use the Windows notification system, making it appear as though the alert is coming from your operating system.

When you click on the alert, it directs you to a real antivirus company’s website, but the scammer is earning a commission through affiliate links. So, while you might end up with a legitimate product, the scammer profits off your purchase—even though your device wasn’t compromised in the first place.

How these scams operate

These modern fake antivirus scams use several tactics to deceive users. Here’s how to spot them.

• Pop-up alerts: These alerts often appear while you’re browsing the web, claiming that your computer is infected. They mimic the look and feel of real antivirus software to trick you into thinking the threat is genuine.
• System notifications: Scammers have learned how to exploit Windows notifications, making their fake alerts seem like they’re coming directly from your operating system.
• Referral schemes: By directing you to purchase legitimate antivirus software through affiliate links, scammers earn commissions.
• Persistent alerts: Even if you close your browser, these fake alerts can continue to appear on your desktop or lock screen, creating a sense of urgency and fear.

How to protect yourself

Given how convincing these scams have become, it’s more important than ever to stay vigilant. Here are some tips to protect yourself:

• Don’t trust pop-up alerts. Be cautious of any pop-up alerts, especially those that appear while you’re browsing. Usually, a legitimate antivirus software won’t use aggressive pop-ups to notify you of threats.
• Verify through your antivirus software. If you receive a warning, check it through your installed antivirus program directly rather than clicking on the alert. Open your antivirus software and run a scan to see if there’s a real issue.
• Manage notifications carefully. Avoid granting permission for push notifications from untrusted websites. Only allow notifications from reputable sources to minimise the risk of seeing fake alerts.
• Take time to notice if something looks off. Look out for overly alarming language, unprofessional graphics, or alerts that urge immediate action. These are often signs of a scam.

Understanding the scam helps you avoid it

The return of the fake antivirus scam may feel like it came out of left field—and it did. This is why no one should underestimate cyber threats. Keep yourself and loved ones informed and take the necessary steps to help protect them. Stay safe!