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Virus 'Scareware' Scams Millions

Alarming virus warnings part of major rip off

By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 19, 2009 5:07 AM CDT

(Newser) – Alarming warnings that internet surfers' computers are being invaded by a devastating virus are almost always scams used to either hack into computers or rip off consumers for phony protective software. More than 40 million people have fallen victim to the "scareware" scam in the past year. Experts have identified some 250 versions of the scareware scam, and estimate that crooks make $1.2 million selling fake software alone.

Some 40 million internet uses have been ripped off in scareware scams.
Some 40 million internet uses have been ripped off in scareware scams.   (©Remko van Dokkum)
What evil lurks in your computer?
What evil lurks in your computer?   (©totally pixelated)
Alarming alerts that your computer has been invaded by a virus are often part of a scareware con.
Alarming alerts that your computer has been invaded by a virus are often part of a "scareware" con.   (©elecnix)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
RockyPneumonia
Oct 19, 2009 11:49 AM CDT
They don't look like popups; they look like normal Windows system warnings.
cochiserocks
Oct 19, 2009 10:39 AM CDT
I'm sorry, but anyone who buys into a pop-up is not really thinking straight. They need to demystify the whole computer thing - it's really not that complicated - but just like car mechanics, plumbing or electrics - if you don't make the effort to give yourself a basic grounding and just leave it up to the 'professionals' - sooner or later, you'll be taken advantage of - with only yourself to blame.
Unaffiliated
Oct 19, 2009 6:34 AM CDT
The problem is many people are barely computer-/internet-savvy enough to know what a browser window even IS. I've tried to help my mother-in-law, who's really smarter than she'll admit to herself, but she just *believes* she's no good at computers. Because of that, she's nearly helpless when trying to talk her through something over the phone.

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