Fake anti-virus programs prey on people’s fear of malicious software.
They are typically installed when someone clicks on a link in an e-mail, or clicks on an item listed after a search engine query, or clicks on a rogue advert on web pages.
When launched, the fake anti-virus program claims to find malware on the victim’s computer, but requests payment in order to remove it.
Not only does the victim hand over money to fix a problem that doesn’t exist, but their card details can be used fraudulently by the cybercriminals behind the scam.