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

JuicyAds Marks 20-Year Anniversary

JuicyAds is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches for January, February

AEBN has published the top search terms for January and February from its straight and gay theaters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

2026 TEAs Shine Bright in Celebration and Solidarity

The industry’s trans adult performers, creators and creatives came together Sunday night at the historic Avalon nightclub in Hollywood for an evening of well-deserved celebration: the 2026 Trans Erotica Awards.

Kansas Plaintiff Drops Chaturbate AV Suit, Revamps SuperPorn Complaint

The plaintiff in a lawsuit alleging that cam platform Chaturbate violated Kansas’ age verification law has voluntarily dismissed that action, while retooling a similar complaint against adult site SuperPorn.

New Creator Networking Platform 'CollabGPS' Launches

CollabGPS, a new creator networking platform designed to facilitate safe collaboration, has officially launched.

Chaturbate Launches Year-Long 15th Anniversary Campaign

Chaturbate has launched "CB15," a year-long campaign to celebrate the company's 15th anniversary.

AV Bulletin: Loopholes and Lawsuits

This roundup provides an update on the latest news and developments on the age verification front as it impacts the adult industry.

Utah 'Porn Tax' Bill Will Head to Governor's Desk

A bill that would tax adult websites and make them liable if minors circumvent geolocation has passed the Utah state legislature and will soon head to the office of Gov. Spencer Cox for signature or veto.

Flirt4Free Co-Founder Gregory Clayman Passes Away

Gregory Clayman, a pioneering figure in the live cam sector and cofounder of the long-running webcam platform Flirt4Free, has passed away.

Pornhub to Restrict Access in Australia as AV Rules Take Effect

Pornhub parent company Aylo will restrict access to its free video-sharing platforms in Australia in response to new age verification regulations, the company confirmed Thursday.

Show More