More people are falling for Anti-Virus Software Scams.

 A common tactic among hackers and scammers is to include code in specially crafted web-sites, or hacked links in legitimate websites that point to an already compromised site.  Generally, a user accessing a compromised web page will be directed to click on a pop-up window box that recommends clicking  on "OK" for a "Free Scan" to remove detected viruses.

Sometimes, these pop-ups are crafted to look like legitimate software applications, including the anti-virus software program that you already have installed on your computer. The problem that comes with this is that even if you didn't click on the "OK" option, clicking on the "X" to close the window may still install the fake Anti-Virus software.

Once the fake anti-virus software is installed, the scammers will prompt you to fix the issue with a varying charge to remove the software that they just put on your system.  If you give them your credit card  or banking information, you get the double whammy - You paid for something that you won't get, and they  now have your credit card or banking information, so they can steal even more from you.

Generally, the "fix" solution that the scammers provide involves randomly deleting portions of the Windows Registry and associated files.   As the computer hangs and behaves erratically, there may be other attempts to extort more money, until your computer eventually ceases to function.

Examples of sites that scammers are using to accomplish this type of scam are:

• Social websites such as Facebook and YouTube

• Dating sites

• News websites

• Advertisements on any site.

   

The best thing that you can do when encountering these types of messages is to do a CTRL-ALT-DELETE,  bring up the Windows Task Manager, go to the "Processes" tab and end all tasks associated with your web browser.  As a further protection you should clean out all of your browsers temporary files, and do a full anti-virus system scan.

Remember you should only be purchasing Anti-Virus software from legitimate sites or shrink-wrapped product from legitimate suppliers.

If you need assistance or have further questions related to the above issue, please contact the CCS Retail Systems Support Department.