Porn site scams are on the rise: How they work and how scammers are a big threat to your bank account

Porn Site Scam

Scammers keep finding new techniques to target users and a new wave of online scam has started surfacing that eventually leads to loosing money a lot of them or all of them. The scam we are talking about is related to Porn sites where users receives a notification stating that their “Device has been locked due to illegal activity”.

The pop-ups, often disguised as official government notices, demand a hefty fine to unlock the system. This deceptive practice, known as the "porn site scam," preys on fear and urgency, leading many victims to lose significant amounts of money.

Porn Site popup scam: How it works

The scam operates through fake warning pop-ups that appear on a user’s browser. These messages claim that the individual has been caught viewing illegal content, such as pornography involving minors or other banned materials. The warning falsely states that the user’s computer has been locked under a fictitious legal decree and that criminal proceedings will follow if a penalty is not paid immediately. The pop-ups often display official-looking logos and terminology to appear legitimate.

To pressure victims, the scam provides a countdown timer, warning that failure to pay within a few hours will result in legal action. Payment is usually requested via credit card or other digital payment methods, making it nearly impossible to recover lost funds once the transaction is completed.

The fail-safe switch for scammers

The most important aspect of this scam is that watching porn in India is illegal and is also banned. In this situation, when users see a notification about being caught in an illegal activity, it makes them believe it even more and this is where scammers gain the upper hand.

Rising financial risks

The primary goal of these scams is financial extortion. Victims who panic and comply with the demands often pay thousands of rupees to the scammers. Cybersecurity experts warn that paying the amount does not necessarily resolve the issue—scammers may continue to extort victims by demanding additional payments.

Beyond the immediate financial loss, falling for such scams can lead to further risks. Victims who enter their credit card details risk identity theft and unauthorised transactions. Scammers may also install malware on the victim’s device, allowing them to steal sensitive data, including banking credentials and personal information.

Preventive measures

To protect against this scam, users should keep the following security measures in mind:

Do not panic or pay: Legitimate law enforcement agencies do not lock computers or demand payment through pop-ups.

Close the browser forcefully: If you encounter such a pop-up, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete to open Task Manager (on Windows) or Command + Option + Escape (on Mac) to force close the browser.

Use antivirus software: Running a malware scan after closing the browser can help detect and remove potential threats.

Enable pop-up blockers: Adjust browser settings to block pop-ups from unknown websites.

Stay informed: Be aware of common online scams and educate others about their risks.