The scareware label can also apply to any application or virus which pranks users with intent to cause anxiety or panic. According to the Anti Phishing Working Group, the number of scareware packages in circulation rose from 2,8. Usually the virus is fictional and the software is non functional or malware itself. Scareware is part of a class of malicious software that includes rogue security software, ransomware and other scam software that tricks users into believing their computer is infected with a virus, then suggests that they download and pay for fake antivirus software to remove it. Scareware is a form of malware which uses social engineering to cause shock, anxiety, or the perception of a threat in order to manipulate users into buying unwanted software.
