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scareware

/skɛrweɪr/ noun · British & US
Valid in UK
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What does scareware mean?

noun

Software that is designed to trick users into buying it by pretending to have detected a problem with their computer, often by displaying fake warnings or alerts.

Example

"The company was accused of selling scareware that did nothing to improve the user's computer security."

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Etymologically related

Synonyms for scareware

Antonyms of scareware

Rhymes with scareware