You may be one of the numerous people who have received similar pop-up alerts. They commonly appear after you open an email attachment, download files, visit websites programmed to download malicious software or click on a pop-up advertisement. Scammers often use the names of well-known companies that specialise in computer software to gain your trust. The pop-up advertisements aim to mimic genuine warning alerts generated by computer security software.
Warning signs
- Fake anti-virus spyware programs often generate more "alerts" than the software made by reputable companies.
- You may be bombarded with pop-up alerts, even when you're not online.
- Scammers commonly use high pressure sales tactics to convince you to buy NOW!
- The alert may request you to pass on the "warning" to "others in your address book" or "everyone you know".
- Broken or oddly phrased English.
- The message is not addressed to a specified recipient, instead it is addressed to the 'account holder' or uses another generic title.
- If your computer has been infected, it may dramatically slow down. Other signs that your computer has been infected include new desktop icons, new wallpaper or your default homepage is redirected to another site.
Protect yourself
-NEVER click on pop-up alerts! Don't even click on the cross to delete the pop-up alert as this may result in getting more pop-ups.
-Keep your computer updated with the latest anti-virus and anti-spy ware software. Also use a good firewall.
-NEVER open email attachments unless you can verify the sender and you trust them.
-NEVER click on the links in spam email.
-NEVER rely on the contact details provided in a pop-up message.
-Avoid questionable websites. Some sites may automatically download malicious software on to your computer.
Source: ACCC- ScamWatch