FBI body warns of scareware

2009-12-15

The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has warned of fake anti-virus software designed to swindle people of their money.

According to the body, the scareware works by telling the user that their computers are infected with numerous viruses and trying to get them to pay for fraudulent services.

It noted that cybercriminals use botnets to push the software and leverage advertisements on websites to deliver it, an act which is referred to as malicious advertising or malvertising.

By downloading the software, users may end up with viruses or Trojans on their systems, which could also lead to financial loss or identity theft, IC3 reported.

It advised people to be cautious and to be wary of pop-ups that offer a variation of recognised security software.

IC3 was established by the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center.

It recently warned of online gift card scams, advising people to buy them directly from the merchant or another authorised retailer.

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