If you've been online recently, you've seen them. It can come in an e-mail, an ad or a pop-up and it warns of danger. It says your computer is under attack from a virus.
And there's a free solution. Just run their virus scan.
You do it. The scan inevitably finds plenty of problems with your computer that need immediate attention and for $40, you can buy their product and solve it.
But the Federal Trade Commission warns many times, there was no virus and no problem with your computer. And the program you installed may cause it's own trouble.
The FTC says these so-called "security alerts" can look official, like they came from your computer. But actually con artists created them.
It's called "scareware" because it plays on people's fear of viruses and security risks.
They can look so real, they may even come with an e-mail receipt.
If you're faced with an uninvited security virus warning, don't press yes, no or even the x to get out of it. These may activate it. Instead, if you use windows, press control, alt, delete to open your task manager. Then click end task.
If you get an offer, the FTC says you should put the name in a search engine to find out if it's on the up and up.
Make sure your computer has anti-virus, anti-spyware software and a firewall at least. The protection installed in your computer generally only lasts a short time unless you subscribe.
To see an FTC provided list of legitimate security vendors, click here.
