$12.5B
FTC-reported fraud losses in 2024
FTC says consumers reported losing $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024.
rogue security software install scam
A website prompts you to install a free security tool that claims to find dozens of threats on your computer, then demands payment to remove them.
“fake virus alert”
↑ 59%Key indicators
Usually targetsNon-technical users
Often hitsTech workers and developers
Common regionUnited States
Last updated2026-04-04
Estimated impact
$960
median reported loss
Typical range$60 – $6.0K
Recovery rate~15%
Scam breakdown
1
Users are tricked into downloading fake security software through deceptive ads, bundled installers, or compromised websites.
2
The software runs a fake scan that always reports critical threats regardless of the actual system state.
3
Victims pay for a license key to clean the nonexistent infections, and the software may also install additional malware.
What to do first
Uninstall the rogue software immediately using your system's Add/Remove Programs or a legitimate anti-malware tool like Malwarebytes.
Related terms
rogue antivirusscareware softwarefake security toolFake antivirus scamsWebsiteSurgingNon-technical usersPC usersMac usersTech workers and developersOnline shoppersUnited StatesUnited KingdomIndiarogue antivirusscareware software
Real-world example
How this scam plays out in practice
Based on reported patterns. Names and details are illustrative.
The setup
Brian, 35, a non-technical users, encountered what appeared to be a legitimate fake antivirus scams situation while using Website. Users are tricked into downloading fake security software through deceptive ads, bundled installers, or compromised websites.
Step 2
What happened next was calculated: The software runs a fake scan that always reports critical threats regardless of the actual system state.
Step 3
The pressure escalated quickly: Victims pay for a license key to clean the nonexistent infections, and the software may also install additional malware.
The outcome
Brian realized something was wrong when the software claims to find an unrealistically high number of infections immediately after installation. By that point, significant damage had already been done — money sent, personal information shared, or trust exploited.
The lesson
Uninstall the rogue software immediately using your system's Add/Remove Programs or a legitimate anti-malware tool like Malwarebytes. Brian's experience shows why the software claims to find an unrealistically high number of infections immediately after installation and it demands payment to remove the detected threats with urgent countdown timers are the clearest early warning signs.
How to identify it
- The software claims to find an unrealistically high number of infections immediately after installation
- It demands payment to remove the detected threats with urgent countdown timers
- The product name does not appear in any reputable antivirus review or comparison site
- 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
- ✓Uninstall the rogue software immediately using your system's Add/Remove Programs or a legitimate anti-malware tool like Malwarebytes.
- ✓Run a full scan with a trusted antivirus program to check for any additional malware that may have been installed.
- ✓Report the software to the FTC and leave reviews on download sites to warn others.
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 FBI IC3 categorizes rogue security software under tech support fraud, which accounted for over 37,500 complaints and 924 million USD in losses in 2023.
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.
- ✓Uninstall the rogue software immediately using your system's Add/Remove Programs or a legitimate anti-malware tool like Malwarebytes.
- ✓Run a full scan with a trusted antivirus program to check for any additional malware that may have been installed.
- ✓Report the software to the FTC and leave reviews on download sites to warn others.
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 FBI IC3 categorizes rogue security software under tech support fraud, which accounted for over 37,500 complaints and 924 million USD in losses in 2023.
FBI IC3 2024
Where to report it
If you have been targeted by this scam, reporting it helps authorities track the pattern and protect others. United States has dedicated agencies that handle fraud reports.
ReportFraud.gov
Federal Trade Commission
Central U.S. consumer fraud reporting portal.
File an IC3 complaint
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
FBI portal for internet-enabled crime reports.
Start identity theft recovery
IdentityTheft.gov
Official U.S. identity theft recovery plan builder.
Explore further
Understand the bigger picture
Who is most at risk
Who this scam targets
Primary targets
Non-technical users, PC users, Mac users
Geographic concentration
United States, United Kingdom, India, Brazil
Primary channel
Website — Fake antivirus 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 FBI IC3 categorizes rogue security software under tech support fraud, which accounted for over 37,500 complaints and 924 million USD in losses in 2023.
Source notes
- FBI IC3 2024
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about rogue security software install scam
How does the rogue security software install scam work?+
Users are tricked into downloading fake security software through deceptive ads, bundled installers, or compromised websites. The software runs a fake scan that always reports critical threats regardless of the actual system state. Victims pay for a license key to clean the nonexistent infections, and the software may also install additional malware.
What are the warning signs of rogue security software install scam?+
The software claims to find an unrealistically high number of infections immediately after installation It demands payment to remove the detected threats with urgent countdown timers The product name does not appear in any reputable antivirus review or comparison site
What should I do if I encounter rogue security software install scam?+
Uninstall the rogue software immediately using your system's Add/Remove Programs or a legitimate anti-malware tool like Malwarebytes. Run a full scan with a trusted antivirus program to check for any additional malware that may have been installed. Report the software to the FTC and leave reviews on download sites to warn others.
Who is most at risk for rogue security software install scam?+
This scam primarily targets Non-technical users, PC users, Mac users. It is most commonly reported in United States, United Kingdom, India, Brazil and typically appears on Website.
Is rogue security software install scam getting worse?+
rogue security software install scam is currently surging — reports are increasing rapidly. It has been reported across US, UK, IN, BR. Last updated 2026-04-04.
Related scams
Similar scams to watch out for
Recovery fraud
↑ 17%Chargeback specialist fee scam
A recovery service promises to reverse payments through insider banking knowledge, but asks for an upfront fee and sensitive transaction data first.
What to do first
Open disputes directly with your bank or payment provider instead of paying a middleman first.
Targets
Fraud victims
Seen in
Global
Investment scams
↓ 8%Mining hosting return scam
A mining or yield-hosting company promises passive income from managed infrastructure, but the balance and payout reports are fabricated.
What to do first
Treat mining-hosting platforms as unverified until you confirm the business, facility, and payout reality independently.
Targets
Crypto holders
Seen in
Global
Online shopping scams
↑ 166%fake online store non-delivery scam
Fraudulent websites mimic legitimate retailers, collect payment for products, and never ship anything. Victims discover the store vanishes within weeks.
What to do first
Dispute the charge with your bank or credit card company immediately
Targets
Online shoppers
Seen in
Global
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.
Relevant collections