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TLDR
A wave of fake websites impersonating Microsoft run bogus security scans that claim Windows no longer supports third party antivirus and urge victims to uninstall their protection. The goal is to strip away defenses before a follow up...
How it works
A wave of fake websites impersonating Microsoft run bogus security scans that claim Windows no longer supports third party antivirus and urge victims to uninstall their protection. The goal is to strip away defenses before a follow up...
Red flags
- A website cannot perform a real malware or system scan
- it only reads basic browser data such as user agent and screen size. The score is hard coded between 13 and 30 out of 100, so a passing result is technically impossible. Any instruction to uninstall antivirus software or install remote access tools is a hallmark of a refund/tech support scam
What to do
- 1Close the page immediately and do not fill in the customer information form. Never uninstall your security product or install remote access software at a stranger's request. Run a genuine scan from your installed antivirus, and report the fake site to your browser vendor and to Microsoft
Source
malwarebytes
Source reviewed by Mythos Forensic Team
https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/threat-intel/2026/08/fake-microsoft-security-scans-trick-victims-into-uninstalling-their-antivirusFAQ
Is Fake Microsoft security scans trick victims into uninstalling their antivirus a real scam pattern?
Yes. Treat the message, call, or payment request as suspicious until you verify it through an official channel.
What are the first warning signs?
A website cannot perform a real malware or system scan; it only reads basic browser data such as user agent and screen size. The score is hard coded between 13 and 30 out of 100, so a passing result is technically impossible. Any instruction to uninstall antivirus software or install remote access tools is a hallmark of a refund/tech support scam
What should I do first?
Close the page immediately and do not fill in the customer information form. Never uninstall your security product or install remote access software at a stranger's request. Run a genuine scan from your installed antivirus, and report the fake site to your browser vendor and to Microsoft
Can LegalAudit check my case?
Yes. Start a free chat and paste the message, link, sender, or payment details for triage.