Scareware Scam Targets ICQ Users

NEW YORK — ICQ users for the past few days have had their sessions interrupted by the "Antivirus8" pop-up that occurs just as the service begins fetching or displaying new ads.

The scareware campaign is particularly troublesome for the online adult industry because ICQ is the most-used instant messaging service in the biz and that the rogue antivirus "scareware" appears without user doing anything that normally triggers such pop-ups.

Security software vendor Kaspersky discovered the fake antivirus warning linked to an ad on ICQ, prompting users to get sucked into buying a bogus security "cure" after a meaningless scan reports that their PC has become infected.

Kaspersky researchers identified the offending page distributing the malware as CharlotteRusse.eu, a fabricated website designed to look as if it’s affiliated with the Charlotte Russe women's clothing chain. About the same time the ad is displayed another pop-up appears in a new browser from "Antivirus8."

Related:  

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

AV Bulletin: Health Warnings, VPNs and Exemptions

Since the Supreme Court’s decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, more state age verification laws have been introduced around the United States, as well as at the federal level and in other countries. This roundup provides an update on the latest news and developments on the age verification front as it impacts the adult industry.

Blake Blossom, Derek Kage Cap AEBN's Top Stars for 4th Quarter of 2025

AEBN has revealed its most popular performers in straight and gay theaters for the fourth quarter of 2025.

Adult Time Renews Silver Sponsorship for Pineapple Support

Adult Time has renewed its sponsorship of Pineapple Support at the Silver level.

Pornhub to Block UK Users Without Accounts Starting Feb. 2

Pornhub parent company Aylo will block access to its free video-sharing platforms in the United Kingdom starting Feb. 2 unless users have already set up accounts prior to that date, the company announced Tuesday.

Aylo Wins Another Major Piracy Lawsuit

For the second time in recent weeks, Pornhub parent company Aylo has prevailed in a copyright infringement case against sites pirating its content.

FSC Supports OpenAge Initiative and Adoption of AgeKeys for Cross-Site Age Assurance

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) announced today that it will support the OpenAge Initiative and its AgeKey cryptographic age assurance solution.

SWR Data Publishes 2026 'Hot List' Report

Adult industry market research outfit SWR Data has published its 2026 Hot List report on the top creator platforms of 2025.

Adult Chat Platform Arousr Sets Human-Only Host Policy

Adult chat platform Arousr has announced a policy to only use verified human hosts, not chatbots.

Arizona State Legislator Proposes Porn Ban

A member of Arizona’s House of Representatives on Wednesday introduced a bill that would make it illegal to produce or distribute adult content in that state.

SinfulX AI to Roll Out New Video Generator

AI companion platform SinfulX AI is launching an upgraded video generator in February.

Show More