If you pay the ransom, there is no guarantee your computer will be unlocked. Scammers may pretend to be from the police and claim you have committed an illegal activity and must pay a fine, or they may simply demand payment for a 'key' to unlock your computer. Infected computers often display messages to convince you into paying the ransom. Ransomware is a type of malware that blocks or limits access to your computer or files, and demands a ransom be paid to the scammer for them to be unlocked. They might take out loans or carry out other illegal business under your name, or even sell your information to other scammers for further illegal use. ![]() They may make unauthorised purchases on your credit card, or use your identity to open accounts such as banking, telephone or energy services. Scammers use this information to steal your personal details and commit fraudulent activities. Malware scams work by installing software on your computer that allows scammers to access your files or watch what you are doing on your computer. If you download the software, your computer will be infected with malware (malicious software).Īnother way of delivering a malware scam is through websites and pop-ups that offer 'free' file downloads, including music, movies and games, or free access to content, such as adult sites. In order to view the video, you will be asked to install some software, such as a ‘codec’, to be able to access the video format. If you click on the link you may be taken to a fake website that looks like the real deal, complete with logos and branding of legitimate sites. Malware scammers send emails and social media messages at random with links purporting to be on something topical-news, an event or something 'interesting'. About Scamwatch Expand submenu for "About Scamwatch". ![]()
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