$12.5B
FTC-reported fraud losses in 2024
FTC says consumers reported losing $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024.
Tech support scams/Browser
fake antivirus software scam
Scammers distribute fake antivirus programs through deceptive ads or downloads that either do nothing, display fake threats to demand payment, or contain actual malware.
“tech support scam”
↑ 336%Key indicators
Usually targetsNon-technical users
Often hitsTech workers and developers
Common regionGlobal
Last updated2026-04-04
Estimated impact
$1.2K
median reported loss
Typical range$120 – $30K
Recovery rate~20%
Annual reports37,560
Scam breakdown
1
Fake antivirus software is distributed through malicious ads, bundled downloads, or phishing emails
2
Once installed, it runs a fake scan showing fabricated threats to alarm the user
3
The software demands payment to remove the fake threats, and may install additional malware in the background
What to do first
Only download antivirus software from well-known, reputable vendors directly from their official websites
Related terms
rogue antivirusscarewarefake security softwareTech support scamsBrowserSurgingNon-technical usersOlder adultsWindows usersTech workers and developersRetirees and seniorsGlobalrogue antivirusscareware
Real-world example
How this scam plays out in practice
Based on reported patterns. Names and details are illustrative.
The setup
Rachel, 35, a non-technical users, encountered what appeared to be a legitimate tech support scams situation while using Browser. Fake antivirus software is distributed through malicious ads, bundled downloads, or phishing emails
Step 2
What happened next was calculated: Once installed, it runs a fake scan showing fabricated threats to alarm the user
Step 3
The pressure escalated quickly: The software demands payment to remove the fake threats, and may install additional malware in the background
The outcome
Rachel realized something was wrong when software was promoted through a popup ad or bundled with another download. By that point, significant damage had already been done — money sent, personal information shared, or trust exploited.
The lesson
Only download antivirus software from well-known, reputable vendors directly from their official websites Rachel's experience shows why software was promoted through a popup ad or bundled with another download and program claims to find hundreds of threats immediately after installation are the clearest early warning signs.
How to identify it
- Software was promoted through a popup ad or bundled with another download
- Program claims to find hundreds of threats immediately after installation
- Demands payment to remove the detected threats or unlock full protection
- Pause before paying, clicking, or sharing information. Scammers rely on speed.
- Verify the sender, company, or agency using a phone number or website you already know is legitimate.
- Treat secrecy, urgency, and off-platform payment requests as strong scam signals.
What to do now
- ✓Only download antivirus software from well-known, reputable vendors directly from their official websites
- ✓Use a legitimate antivirus tool to scan for and remove the fake software
- ✓Report the fake software to the FTC and the Anti-Phishing Working Group
What to save before reporting
- ✓Save the message, profile, phone number, email, or URL that was used.
- ✓Keep payment confirmations, receipts, and account alerts before you dispute or delete anything.
- ✓Write down the timeline while the details are still fresh.
How big is this problem
You are not alone — this scam affects millions of people.
These numbers come from government agencies and official reports. If you have been affected, know that this is a widespread problem — not something that only happens to careless people.
FTC 2024 fraud losses
Imposters
Most common FTC fraud category in 2024
FTC says imposter scams remained the most commonly reported fraud category in 2024.
History and evolution
- This scam family tends to persist because the social-engineering pressure works even when the exact scripts, platforms, and payment methods change.
- The specific packaging evolves over time, but the core pattern usually stays the same: create urgency, control the channel, and push action before verification.
- The FTC has taken legal action against multiple fake antivirus companies that collectively deceived millions of consumers
Recovery and follow-up
- ✓Save the messages, receipts, account alerts, and transaction details before you block or delete anything.
- ✓Report the scam through the official platform or government channel that best matches where it happened.
- ✓Only download antivirus software from well-known, reputable vendors directly from their official websites
- ✓Use a legitimate antivirus tool to scan for and remove the fake software
- ✓Report the fake software to the FTC and the Anti-Phishing Working Group
Why this pattern keeps working
Even when the story changes, most scams still use the same pressure pattern: urgency, authority, and a request to move money or data fast.
The FTC has taken legal action against multiple fake antivirus companies that collectively deceived millions of consumers
FTC Consumer Sentinel 2025
Where to report it
If you have been targeted by this scam, reporting it helps authorities track the pattern and protect others. Global has dedicated agencies that handle fraud reports.
Report cross-border scams
econsumer.gov (ICPEN)
International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network portal for reporting cross-border online scams. Reports are shared with consumer protection agencies in 40+ countries.
Interpol financial crime guidance
Interpol
International policing guidance on online financial fraud, romance scams, and investment fraud operating across borders.
Report phishing emails
Anti-Phishing Working Group
Global industry coalition for reporting phishing emails and URLs. Forward phishing to [email protected].
Explore further
Understand the bigger picture
Who is most at risk
Who this scam targets
Primary targets
Non-technical users, Older adults, Windows users
Geographic concentration
Global
Primary channel
Browser — Tech support scams
Why this group is vulnerable
Non-technical users are particularly vulnerable because this scam exploits trust in familiar brands, authority figures, and time-sensitive decisions. The rapid increase in reports suggests that awareness among this demographic remains low.
Sources and methodology
How we verify this information
OpenScam tracks scam patterns using a combination of government consumer protection databases (FTC, IC3, Action Fraud), platform-specific fraud reports, and verified consumer complaint data. Each entry is cross-referenced against at least two independent sources before publication.
Severity ratings are based on financial impact potential, reversibility of damage, and volume of reports across multiple reporting channels. Trend velocity reflects the rate of change in report volume over the most recent 90-day window.
This page was last verified on 2026-04-04. Red flags, recovery steps, and reporting resources are reviewed quarterly against current agency guidance.
Evidence and indicators
- The FTC has taken legal action against multiple fake antivirus companies that collectively deceived millions of consumers
Source notes
- FTC Consumer Sentinel 2025
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about fake antivirus software scam
How does the fake antivirus software scam work?+
Fake antivirus software is distributed through malicious ads, bundled downloads, or phishing emails Once installed, it runs a fake scan showing fabricated threats to alarm the user The software demands payment to remove the fake threats, and may install additional malware in the background
What are the warning signs of fake antivirus software scam?+
Software was promoted through a popup ad or bundled with another download Program claims to find hundreds of threats immediately after installation Demands payment to remove the detected threats or unlock full protection
What should I do if I encounter fake antivirus software scam?+
Only download antivirus software from well-known, reputable vendors directly from their official websites Use a legitimate antivirus tool to scan for and remove the fake software Report the fake software to the FTC and the Anti-Phishing Working Group
Who is most at risk for fake antivirus software scam?+
This scam primarily targets Non-technical users, Older adults, Windows users. It is most commonly reported in Global and typically appears on Browser.
Is fake antivirus software scam getting worse?+
fake antivirus software scam is currently surging — reports are increasing rapidly. It has been reported across US, UK. Last updated 2026-04-04.
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Help someone avoid this scam.
Scammers succeed because people do not talk about it. If you or someone you know has been affected, there is no shame in it — it happens to millions of people every year. Share this page with friends and family so they know what to look for.