CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
The FBI has an important fraud alert out that could prevent you from getting scammed.
They warn people against something called "Scareware."
"It will simply, suddenly appear on your computer, and suddenly pop up, without your knowing where it came from," the FBI's Eric Brelsford said. "It will just simply appear."
Brelsford said Scareware usually arrives in an email message, warning that several viruses are threatening your computer.
"It's essentially fake anti-virus software that will suddenly appear on somebody's computer and give the indication, appearance that there are a number of viruses, or malware, critical errors with your computer," Brelsford said, "and that you need to purchase software to resolve these problems."
Sometimes, the so-called Scareware will hold your computer hostage, until you purchase the license which unlocks the software. In the meantime, it's not doing anything to combat viruses.
"It's not actually doing any scans of your computer," Brelsford said. "It's not actually trying to fix your computer. It's simply trying to con you out of $49.95 to purchase a license for the computer that's not going to do anything at all."
Usually, you'll need professional help to remove the Scareware. But by then, many have already kicked over the licensing fees, helping Scareware distributors take home millions.
"It's an extremely, extremely lucrative business for the criminals to engage it, and its an ongoing rampant problem around the world," Brelsford said.
