Clicking on a pop-up window warning about computer virus threats could have the opposite effect for those who aren’t careful.
In the Computer Virus Scam, victims receive a fraudulent pop-up claiming that viruses have been detected on their computer and directing them to click on a link to stop the cyberattack or update security measures. In reality, the alert is the real threat.
Clicking on a fake virus warning can cause damaging malware to be downloaded and expose victims’ financial and personal information.
TIPS:
• Alerts from security software not already installed on a computer probably are fake.
• Don’t click or attempt to close the pop-up window; restart your web browser instead.
• Run a manual security scan if a computer may be at risk.
For a printable version of this fraud alert, visit
https://da.lacounty.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/FF_Computer_Virus_Scam_ENGLISH.pdf?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=
Follow @LADAOffice on Twitter and Instagram for up-to-date news and use #FraudFriday.
