Most people trust that antivirus warnings indicate a problem with their devices, like computers, mobile phones or tablets. Attackers exploit this trust by creating fake virus alerts to deceive you. This form of internet fraud can appear as browser popups, bogus websites, or malicious apps generating counterfeit messages.
These fake alerts might demand payment to “unlock” full security features or provide a phone number that connects you to scammers. With the rise of ransomware, fake virus messages have become even more insidious. They can make you believe you’re facing a real ransomware attack, while in reality, they are just simple websites designed to trick you into paying money.