Safety Warning Pop-Up Scam
While examining the website in question, we uncovered a fraudulent scheme being run through it. This scheme aims to trick visitors by displaying what seems to be a security alert from a reputable company, intending to create a sense of urgency and fear to prompt immediate action.
The text on the fraudulent page poses as a security alert supposedly from a legitimate anti-malware product, specifically targeting users who may be using the Windows operating system with the Chrome browser. It falsely asserts that an attempt to compromise the user's device while visiting a restricted site has been thwarted, and the user's data has been flagged in the CISA blacklist due to potential infiltration and unauthorized access.
The alert induces fear by suggesting that the device is under threat from a virus, with personal and financial information at risk of being accessed by malicious actors. It additionally warns that disregarding the message could lead to the sale of banking details to third parties.
The page encourages users to immediately initiate a scan using a real tool to eradicate these alleged threats, citing recent browsing activities on illicit streaming or adult content websites as evidence of potential infection.
Upon clicking the provided link, users are redirected to a legitimate website selling the security product. However, it's important to note that the URL of this website contains an affiliate's ID. This indicates that the website hosting the scam is operated by affiliates aiming to earn commissions in an illegal manner, essentially displaying fake warnings and scary threats to visitors to bully and scare them into purchasing the product.
How Should You Act When You See Virus Warnings on a Website?
When encountering virus warnings on a website, it's important to proceed with caution and follow these steps:
Do Not Panic: Stay calm and avoid making hasty decisions. Virus warnings are often designed to induce fear and prompt immediate action.
Verify the Source: Assess the credibility of the warning. Is it coming from a reputable antivirus software or security company? Genuine warnings are typically displayed by trusted sources.
Do Not Click on Pop-Ups: Avoid clicking on any pop-ups or alerts, especially those prompting you to download or install software. Clicking on these may lead to unintended consequences, such as downloading malware or visiting malicious websites.
Close the Browser Tab or Window: If you encounter a suspicious warning, close the tab or window containing the website immediately. Do not interact with any elements on the page.
Run a Full System Scan: After closing the browser, perform a full system scan using your antivirus software to check for any malware or viruses that may have been downloaded or installed.
Update Your Antivirus Definitions: Ensure that your antivirus software is up to date with the latest virus definitions. This helps it detect and protect against the latest threats.
Report the Website: If you believe the warning is a result of malicious activity, report the website to the appropriate authorities, such as your antivirus provider or the website hosting service.
