The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is warning about fake computer virus alerts that may enable perpetrators to download damaging malware onto the computers of unsuspecting victims. Clicking on a pop-up window warning about computer virus threats could have the opposite effect.

In computer virus scams, victims receive a fraudulent pop-up claiming that viruses have been detected on their computer. They are often directed to click on a link to stop the cyberattack or update security measures. In reality, the alert is the threat. In addition to malware, a virus can expose victims’ financial and personal information.

The D.A.’s office warns that alerts from security software not already installed on a computer are probably are fake. Don’t click or attempt to close the pop-up window.

For information, visit da.lacounty.gov.