Antivirus software is essential to protect your devices from malware that can steal your passwords, payment information, and other sensitive information.
Unfortunately, cybercriminals are aware of this and have come up with ways to trick users into installing fake antivirus programs or responding to fraudulent emails impersonating well-known security brands.
Here's how to identify fake antivirus software and stay safe online.
What is fake antivirus software?
Many people look for free antivirus solutions, which makes them an easy target for scammers who create fake apps. These apps often perform fake scans, displaying alarming results falsely indicating that your device is infected.
The aim is to scare you into paying for a service to remove these non-existent threats. By doing so, you not only lose money, but you also risk exposing your payment details and other personal information to criminals.
How Fake Antivirus Software Works
Fake antivirus software can work in different ways. Sometimes it bombards you with warnings about supposed viruses on your device, demanding payment to “clean” your system. Other times, it runs silently in the background, spying on you through your webcam or microphone and recording your keystrokes.
Some fake antivirus programs even charge subscription fees for services they never intend to provide. These deceptive apps may look convincing, with slick interfaces and even fake reviews, but they serve no real security purpose.
How fake antivirus software is installed
Fake antivirus programs can infiltrate your device through different methods:
- App stores: Despite security checks, some fake apps make it onto legitimate platforms like Google Play. These apps often have high ratings and rave reviews, which may be fake or manipulated to appear credible.
- Compromised or fake websites: You might unknowingly download fake antivirus software from a compromised website or a fraudulent site that imitates a legitimate site. These sites often display pop-up warnings that your device is infected and prompt you to download software that supposedly fixes the problem.
- Social networks and pop-ups: Scammers also use social media platforms and pop-ups to distribute fake antivirus software. These may appear as advertisements or alerts, prompting you to take immediate action to protect your device.
Additionally, not all fake apps are free. Another way to get scammed is to pay a subscription for a service that is not provided.
How to spot fake antivirus software
Recognizing fake antivirus software can be difficult, especially if you are unfamiliar with the brand. Here are some signs that the antivirus app you installed might be fake:
- Unexpected pop-ups: If you see constant pop-ups warning that your device is infected and prompting you to download software or make payment, this is a clear warning sign.
- Payment requests: Legitimate antivirus software does not charge money to remove threats after a scan. Be careful if an app insists on paying to clean your device.
- Poor performance: A sudden drop in your device's performance, such as slow speed or unresponsiveness, after installing antivirus software may indicate a fake program that is running maliciously in the background.
Our advice is to choose from our selection of the best antivirus software and make sure that the website you download it from is the real deal and not a fake.
How to Avoid Installing Fake Antivirus Software
To avoid these scams, always download antivirus software from reputable sources. Here are some reliable websites from well-known antivirus brands:
Always remember to check the website URL and make sure it is using a secure connection (https://) before downloading anything.
You can also check Wikipedia's list of known malicious security software.
What is an antivirus email scam?
Scammers often use emails to trick people into believing that their antivirus software needs to be renewed or that their device is infected. These emails may appear convincing, using the names and logos of trusted brands like Norton and McAfee.
How to identify a fraudulent email
Be wary of emails that don't address you by name or contain generic greetings like “Dear Customer.” Legitimate companies usually include your name in their correspondence. Also watch out for spelling and grammar errors, which are common in scam emails.
Scam emails often use urgent language, urging you to act quickly by clicking a link or calling a customer service number. These tactics are designed to make you respond impulsively without verifying the authenticity of the email.
If you receive such an email, do not click on any links or provide any personal information. Instead, visit your antivirus provider's official website and log into your account to check for legitimate messages.
However, these scams are not limited to emails; they can also come by phone or text. Whatever the medium, the goal is the same: to encourage you to reveal personal information or make a payment.
How to avoid getting scammed by email
To protect yourself against fake antivirus software and scams, follow these guidelines:
- Use reputable software: Stick to well-known antivirus brands and download them only from their official websites. Avoid free antivirus software unless you are sure it is legitimate.
- Beware of pop-ups: If a pop-up claims that your device is infected, do not click on it. Instead, run a scan using your trusted antivirus software.
- Check emails and messages: If you receive an email or message regarding your antivirus subscription, go directly to the company's official website and log in to your account to check the information.
- Keep the software up to date: Make sure your antivirus software and operating system are always up to date. This helps protect against the latest threats.
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to fake antivirus scams. To stay safe, we recommend following these 10 tips to avoid all types of scams, including fake antiviruses.
And if you don't have money to spend on software right now, here is the best free antivirus that will help protect you.
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