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Computer Help and Support

In reply to the discussion: Fake threat? [View all]

usonian

(16,295 posts)
2. Fake, Fake, Fake.
Sat May 11, 2024, 09:13 PM
May 2024

What happens is that malicious websites will hijack your browser to pop up warnings that take you to a non-MacAfee site that aims to hijack your money. They may ask you to download their "Antivirus" product, which ITSELF infects your computer.

These articles discuss how to deal with this, in degrees of sophistication,

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/what-is-the-mcafee-virus-pop-up-scam-how-to-get-rid-of-it/ar-AA14b42z

More detailed.
https://malwaretips.com/blogs/remove-fake-mcafee-pop-up-virus/.

I haven't vetted sites to see if their aim is to sell you their own antivirus product, but the base malwarebytes app is free (just not the advanced features) Some sites will give you the basic information, and then say "Well, it's SO MUCH easier when you buy our product"

If your system seems clean, then
The goal is to clean out any garbage that got into your browser's memory.

Asking others to comment if they have dealt with this.

Recommendations

1 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Fake threat? [View all] madamesilverspurs May 2024 OP
Turn your computer off for at least an hour leftieNanner May 2024 #1
It doesn't need to be an hour. TwilightZone May 2024 #3
It took longer for us leftieNanner May 2024 #5
Thanks, please see my edit. madamesilverspurs May 2024 #8
Thanks, please see my edit. madamesilverspurs May 2024 #6
Fake, Fake, Fake. usonian May 2024 #2
Thanks, please see my edit. madamesilverspurs May 2024 #7
Have a good rest. usonian May 2024 #9
The fake alert windows can often be closed by pressing CTRL + F4. TwilightZone May 2024 #4
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