Scareware
Malicious software or fake alerts that trick users into believing their device is infected, pressuring them into a payment or download.
Scareware↗ is malicious software or a fake security alert designed to frighten users into believing their device is infected with viruses or has a critical problem, pressuring them into paying for bogus software, calling a fraudulent support number, or downloading actual malware↗ disguised as a fix. Pop-ups claiming "Your computer is infected" are a classic example.
Scareware relies entirely on psychological pressure rather than a real technical threat, exploiting fear and urgency to bypass careful judgment. Closing the browser tab or restarting the device, rather than clicking anything in the alert, is the safest response.