{"id":59159,"date":"2018-05-18T13:36:44","date_gmt":"2018-05-18T18:36:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pcmatic.com\/blog\/?p=59159"},"modified":"2018-08-28T12:34:57","modified_gmt":"2018-08-28T17:34:57","slug":"pc-matic-fake-virus-experts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pcmatic.com\/blog\/pc-matic-fake-virus-experts\/","title":{"rendered":"PC Matic – The Fake Virus Experts"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Imagine this alert showing up on your screen.\u00a0 Scary thought, right?<\/p>\n

This message, and one’s similar, are intended to scare users and force them into acting promptly by calling the toll-free number listed in the alert to fix the issue identified.\u00a0\u00a0The problem is, these alerts are completely fake.\u00a0\u00a0There is nothing wrong with the computer, therefore there is no need to fix anything.<\/p>\n

Over approximately the last year, PC Matic has conducted extensive research regarding this particular tech support scam, deeming it the\u00a0Fake Virus Scam<\/a>.<\/p>\n

About the Fake Virus Scam<\/h4>\n

This scam aims to trick users into believing that their computer or device needs to be fixed with unnecessary and costly technical support services.\u00a0\u00a0The alert messages create a sense of urgency, making users believe they must call quickly to remediate the problem.\u00a0\u00a0They also aim to increase a sense of legitimacy by using a well-known brand, like Microsoft in the alert.\u00a0\u00a0Please note, a legitimate Microsoft notification will not include a phone number.<\/p>\n

But how does it worm its way onto a computer?\u00a0\u00a0Scammers have succeeded in getting an advertisement or pop-up into a user\u2019s browser, probably during a freeware download, which will generate the above alert.\u00a0 Once the fake virus shows up on the computer, the browser appears to be locked.\u00a0 In addition, a voice over may come over your speakers.\u00a0 Below is a recording we’ve been able to obtain of these voice overs.<\/p>\nhttps:\/\/www.pcmatic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bogus-Virus-Scam-robotic-voice-alert_enhanced.mp3<\/a><\/audio>\n

Just image you’re in a work environment and that comes over your computer.\u00a0 Embarrassing, and highly concerning.\u00a0 By including this voice over, victims are increasingly likely to call the number listed to get the fake virus removed.<\/p>\n

Once a user calls the scammers, they will want a large payment or subscription fee to \u201cfix\u201d the computer.\u00a0\u00a0They also may offer to sell the user a bogus antivirus program, or some other unneeded service.<\/p>\n

In order to install these applications, or \u201cfix\u201d the device, they will request authorization to remotely access the computer.\u00a0\u00a0Using remote access, these experienced scammers can misrepresent normal system output as signs of problems.\u00a0 It’s nothing but a scam to get your money, credit card information and access to your computer.<\/p>\n

PC Matic employee Michael Hucks, called one of these numbers to see what exactly the scammers are saying.\u00a0 You may listen to his call below:<\/p>\nhttps:\/\/www.pcmatic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/suspectedajonase-56b4b05e-206b-4441-ad36-22b66b35c570.mp3.mp3<\/a><\/audio>\n

How They\u2019re Getting Away with It<\/h4>\n

The hoax uses what appears to be legitimate phone numbers to build trust with the victim.\u00a0\u00a0However, the scam often originates from a country, which will not cooperate with law or regulatory enforcement agencies trying to identify these scammers.<\/p>\n

PC Matic has found, most of these fake tech support numbers are directed to one main center which modifies their Urgent Alert messages with new 1-800 numbers every couple of weeks.\u00a0\u00a0In just the last three months, PC Matic has tracked 140 different phone numbers tied to the fake virus scam.<\/p>\n

Avoid Falling Victim<\/h4>\n

Wouldn\u2019t it be nice if you never had to receive these messages at all?<\/p>\n

Last year, PC Matic recognized the fake virus problem and added a feature, for no additional charge, to their adblocking technology.\u00a0 This technology has proven to effectively and proactively block these threats.\u00a0\u00a0In just the last three months, PC Matic<\/a> has blocked 4,128 of these scams; up to 450 per day.\u00a0 Fortunately, with PC Matic\u2019s superior adblocking technology,<\/a> users can rest assured in knowing they are protected and won\u2019t be subject to these stressful and potentially invasive and costly tactics.<\/p>\n

For those not using PC Matic, there is a way to rid a computer of the scam, after it has populated.\u00a0 In order to do so, complete the following steps:<\/p>\n