High riskTech Support

Fake Antivirus Scareware Scam

In this scam, fake antivirus warnings or bogus renewal emails claim your device is infected or your subscription is charging you, pushing you to install malware, pay, or call a fake support line.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Scareware / fake software (tech support)
Main red flag
An alarming 'antivirus' warning or renewal charge urging you to install, pay, or call.
What to do first
Do not click or call; check via your real security software or bank statement.

Understanding this scam

In this scam, fake antivirus warnings or bogus renewal emails claim your device is infected or your subscription is charging you, pushing you to install malware, pay, or call a fake support line.

Tech-support scams use pop-ups, emails, and cold calls claiming your device is infected or your account is at risk. The "fix" is always remote access, which hands criminals control of your machine, your logins, and often a fake "refund" that reverses in their favour.

If you take one thing from this guide, make it this: An alarming 'antivirus' warning or renewal charge urging you to install, pay, or call. Do not click or call; check via your real security software or bank statement.

If your message looks slightly different, check the Fake Virus Pop-up Scam or the PC Optimizer Scam, both are close cousins of this pattern. Every related guide lives in the Tech Support & Computer Scams guides, and the scam checker can scan the text you received.

A typical example

Example pattern, not a real report
Example pattern: 'Your antivirus has expired and 5 threats were found. Renew now or call support to remove the viruses immediately.'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

The tell here: An alarming 'antivirus' warning or renewal charge urging you to install, pay, or call.

What the data shows

Older adults
are the group most affected by tech-support scams, with the highest reported losses
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
$2.7B
reported lost to imposter scams in the US in 2023, which include tech support fraud
Source: US Federal Trade Commission

Warning signs

  • Alarming infection warnings from software you do not use
  • A renewal 'invoice' for antivirus you did not buy
  • A number to call or link to renew or fix it
  • Downloads pushed as urgent 'security tools'
  • Pressure and countdown timers

Your safest response

  • Check your device with the real security software you installed
  • Verify charges on your bank or app store statement
  • Do not call numbers or click links in the warning
  • Delete the email and close the pop-up

If you have already engaged

  • Run a scan with reputable security software and remove threats
  • Uninstall anything the warning told you to install
  • Dispute any charge with your bank or app store
  • Change passwords if you entered any details

What to avoid

  • Do not install 'security tools' from a pop-up or email
  • Do not call the support number in the warning
  • Do not pay a renewal you cannot verify

You might also see

High risk Tech Support

Fake Virus Pop-up Scam

In this scam, a full-screen pop-up or alarming web page claims your device is infected and urges you to call a 'support' number or download a fix, leading to remote access or bogus payments.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
Medium risk Tech Support

PC Optimizer Scam

In this scam, free 'PC cleaner' or optimizer software runs a fake scan, reports alarming problems, then pressures you to pay for the full version to 'fix' issues that may not exist or that it created.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
High risk Tech Support

Fake Browser Update Scam

In this scam, a website shows a fake browser, Flash, or plugin update prompt, urging you to download a file that is actually malware or a remote-access tool rather than a genuine update.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team

Questions people ask

Is the virus warning real?
Pop-ups or emails from antivirus you do not use, urging you to install, pay, or call, are scareware. Check only with the real security software you installed.
I got an antivirus renewal invoice. Real?
Bogus renewal emails aim to make you call a fake line or pay. Verify charges on your bank or app store statement, not via the email.
I installed the tool they pushed. What now?
Scan with reputable software, uninstall the pushed tool, dispute any charge, and change passwords you may have entered.
How do I avoid scareware?
Use one reputable security product, ignore unsolicited infection warnings, and never call numbers or click links inside such alerts.

Last reviewed June 2026 · Written & reviewed by the

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.