Microsoft Alert Scam

Viruses & Threats
1

The AVG extension is being used on my Google browser but I still am interrupted by the flashing box telling me not to shut down my computer or the "trojan virus" will spread.  What am I paying for if AVG can't stop this ancient scam?

3

Hello Mary,
You've reached the AVG community support forum.
The scam prompts users to call a provided phone number for assistance. However, because these error messages are fake, calling any numbers listed is not advisable. Example of a “Virus Alert from Microsoft” scam: Most “Virus Alert from Microsoft” scams are delivered by deceptive sites.

Fake virus warnings are the common tactic used by scammers to trick you, and if you're not cautious, they might get real malware to your device. You do not have to worry your device is not infected by virus or malware. To be sure you can run Deep scan in AVG Internet Security. To do that follow the below instructions:

  • After opening the AVG user interface, you can run a Smart Scan from the main application screen by clicking Run Smart Scan.
  • To run a specialized scans like deep scan, boot-time scan, etc., please click on run other scans next to Run Smart Scan and select Deep scan.
Additionally would you be so kind as to share us a few screenshots of the scam pop-ups you're referring to? To do so, you can follow the instructions in our article Creating a screenshot. You can post the screenshot here in your topic. Click on 'Answer' & then click on the 'Image' [mountain symbol] & follow the instructions.

Looking forward to hearing from you.
2

Hello Mary,
You've reached the AVG community support forum.
The scam prompts users to call a provided phone number for assistance. However, because these error messages are fake, calling any numbers listed is not advisable. Example of a “Virus Alert from Microsoft” scam: Most “Virus Alert from Microsoft” scams are delivered by deceptive sites.

Fake virus warnings are the common tactic used by scammers to trick you, and if you're not cautious, they might get real malware to your device. You do not have to worry your device is not infected by virus or malware. To be sure you can run Deep scan in AVG Internet Security. To do that follow the below instructions:

  • After opening the AVG user interface, you can run a Smart Scan from the main application screen by clicking Run Smart Scan.
  • To run a specialized scans like deep scan, boot-time scan, etc., please click on run other scans next to Run Smart Scan and select Deep scan.
Additionally would you be so kind as to share us a few screenshots of the scam pop-ups you're referring to? To do so, you can follow the instructions in our article Creating a screenshot. You can post the screenshot here in your topic. Click on 'Answer' & then click on the 'Image' [mountain symbol] & follow the instructions.

Looking forward to hearing from you.