You are working on your computer when a pop-up window tells you your computer is infected with malware. The ad offers you two options: “Fix problems” or “Find viruses.” You click on the first one and you are taken to a registration site.
The site tells you for a small fee, it will fix all your computer problems and it will be running like new in no time. In fact, it's your lucky day because the fee is actually lower than it usually is!
You snap up the offer, only to realize a few days later that you probably shouldn't have. You find several charges on your credit card and you can't seem to get the company on the phone to refund them. You gave away your money and your malware problems are only likely to get worse.
How to avoid: if you're having problems, you can download free Malware software online, such as Malwarebites. Or you can always suck it up and run to your local computer shop. It may be a little pricey, but at least you know you’re dealing with a legitimate business.