Windows 7: Rogue Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool Used to Push Scareware

A rogue application is currently imitating Microsoft's Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT) in an attempt to trick users into buying a fake antivirus product.

According to reports, once installed on a computer the fake MSRT program displays a window mimicking the Windows update dialog box and makes it appear as if the "Malicious Software Removal Tool for Windows" is being installed.

The next screen shows a scan allegedly being performed by Microsoft's application and several infections being found.

The following window lists the names of several malware threats and displays a message according to which not all of them could be removed.



"The Removal Tool can't remove all malicious software shown in the scan results. Because malicious software is present on your computer you should use an antivirus product to scan for and remove all malicious software," the rogue program claims.

Users are then instructed to "Click 'Next' button to find recommended anti-virus software" and doing so will take them to a new screen that lists the names of several antivirus products.