Beware of Anti-virus Software Scams

Posted: February 22, 2022

The Punta Gorda Police Department has been receiving multiple reports of an anti-virus scam email that has been circulating recently. In this scam, the victim receives an email stating that their anti-virus software is scheduled to automatically renew and that the victim’s credit card will be charged for the renewal (typically $500.00). The email then states that if the victim does not wish to renew the software they should call a listed phone number. When victims call the number an individual posing as a software employee talks them into providing access to their computer. Once the scammer has access to the computer they find personal information on bank, investment, or credit card accounts that they use to steal money from the victim.

If you receive an email like this, please delete it. If you are an established customer of an anti-virus software company and are unsure if the email is legitimate, please go to your software company’s website and use the information found there to contact them to confirm. Never click on any link or call any telephone number you receive in an unsolicited email.