Beware of the scam aggressively promoted through deceptive pop-ups claiming to conduct a fake “Network and device security check” on your computer. These fake alerts then push you to “Install antivirus now to remove threats and protect your PC”, warning of urgent risks that simply don’t exist.
This scam uses misleading tactics to scare users into clicking on full-screen messages, giving the illusion of a serious security issue. Despite the alarming presentation, the “Install antivirus” button does not remove any threats. Instead, it redirects victims to legitimate antivirus websites through affiliate links—meaning the scammers profit by generating commissions without providing any real help.
The affiliate scam relies on exploiting trusted security brands to gain your trust, but it’s all a trick to earn illegal commissions. No genuine scanning or protection is happening behind the scenes—just an attempt to cash in on fear.
If you encounter messages like these, do not be fooled or rush into downloading software from suspicious pop-ups. Always obtain security tools directly from official, verified sources and consult IT professionals if you believe your device may be at risk. Remember: real protection does not come from deceptive scare tactics or unknown apps trying to profit off you. Stay cautious and stay safe.
💡 Heads-up: Similar Scams Are Everywhere. Install Antivirus Now To Remove Threats And Protect Your PC is not unique. It is one of many fake supplements, gadgets, and other schemes we expose in our Fact Checks section. All of them aim to grab your personal data or money. The people behind these scams run slick websites, spread bogus promo codes, and even pose as trusted brands or experts. Below are a few recent scams that follow the same playbook as Install Antivirus Now To Remove Threats And Protect Your PC: Flash Burn Liquid Drops, Nu Nerve, SampleGifted.com, HHVB GLP-1 SIX-in-ONE, GetDumbMoney.com.
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🚨 Is “Install Antivirus Now To Remove Threats And Protect Your PC” a Scam?
The “Install Antivirus Now To Remove Threats And Protect Your PC” alert is a deceptive scam commonly spread through Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs) like ManualFinder. This scam attempts to trick users into believing their computers are at risk in order to push them into installing antivirus software quickly—often under false pretenses.
Key Red Flags:
- 🌐 Misleading Security Alerts: Users first see a fake “Network and device security check in progress” window designed to create a false sense of urgency and fear.
- 🚨 Aggressive Full-Screen Warnings: A subsequent full-screen popup pressures users to “Install antivirus now to remove threats and protect your PC”, amplifying panic without legitimate evidence of infection.
- 🔗 Affiliate Redirects to Legitimate Software: Although the scam leads to official antivirus company websites, the traffic is routed through affiliate links. Scammers profit by generating illegitimate commissions rather than providing genuine security support.
- ⚠️ Unwanted Software Installed: The scam often originates from PUAs like ManualFinder, which can infiltrate systems unnoticed and cause persistent misleading pop-ups.
- 🛑 No Actual Security Scan: The supposed security check is entirely fabricated with no real diagnostic function, designed solely to frighten users into impulsive actions.
In summary, the “Install Antivirus Now To Remove Threats And Protect Your PC” alert is part of a widespread scam that leverages fake security warnings and affiliate marketing schemes to generate profit illegitimately. Users are advised to avoid clicking on these pop-ups, uninstall suspicious applications such as ManualFinder, and rely only on trusted antivirus software validated through direct sources. For genuine protection, consult reputable security providers and run official scans rather than responding to unsolicited warnings.
Summary Table
Name | “Install Antivirus Now To Remove Threats And Protect Your PC” Scam |
Type | Affiliate Scam Using Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs) |
Known Apps | ManualFinder |
How It Works | Shows fake security alerts, then redirects users to official antivirus websites through affiliate links |
Goal | Earn illegitimate commissions by abusing affiliate programs |
😱 What to Do If Scammed
If you find yourself ensnared by the Install Antivirus Now To Remove Threats And Protect Your PC Scam, immediate action is crucial. Here’s what you should consider doing:
🛑 Stop Further Transactions
The first step is to halt any additional transactions that might be in process. Contact your bank or credit card provider and inform them that you’ve fallen victim to a scam. They can help by blocking the card or reversing any unauthorized transactions.
📞 Report the Fraud
File a report with your local police and provide all the available evidence, such as screenshots, emails, and website URLs. Additionally, report the scam to online portals like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) at www.bbb.org or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov. If you’re in another country, reach out to your national consumer protection agency.
💻 Take Screenshots
Before the scam website gets taken down or changes, make sure to capture screenshots of your transactions and communications. These can serve as evidence if you decide to pursue legal action.
⚖️ Consult Legal Advice
Speak to a legal advisor about your situation. While pursuing legal action may be time-consuming and costly, it could be a possible avenue for recovering your lost money.
📢 Share Your Experience
Use social media platforms to share your experience and warn others about the scam. Your story could prevent someone else from falling victim to the same or similar scams.
Conclusion
The “Install Antivirus Now To Remove Threats And Protect Your PC” is a scam that operates through deceptive Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs) like ManualFinder. This scam tricks users by showing fake security alerts, such as a bogus “Network and device security check in progress”, followed by a full-screen message urging immediate antivirus installation to “remove threats and protect your PC”.
Despite appearing urgent and legitimate, this scam’s primary goal is to generate affiliate commissions dishonestly. The “Install antivirus now” button redirects users to genuine security software websites, exploiting their affiliate programs without delivering any real security or benefit to the user.
Bottom Line: Avoid falling for fake security alerts like “Install Antivirus Now To Remove Threats And Protect Your PC”. Always verify the authenticity of warnings and download antivirus software directly from trusted, official sources. Be cautious of apps and pop-ups that use fear tactics and urgent language—they often serve to deceive and profit from unsuspecting users rather than protect them.