Pcsoftwaresafeties.site e-mail scam: how to spot it and what to do
Pcsoftwaresafeties.site is not the only website that tries to mirror a legitimate security vendor in order to trick people into clicking on its advertisement links and purchasing software from there. Users can come across such pages while browsing the web using any browser, including Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox, etc.
Facts checked October 7, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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Pcsoftwaresafeties.site e-mail scam: summary
| Name | Pcsoftwaresafeties.site |
|---|---|
| Type | Scam, ads, redirect, phishing |
| Infiltration | Redirects from other websites, pop-up ads, potentially unwanted applications |
| Scam content | The scam is based on scaring users into believing that their systems are infected and that they need to remove those infections with promoted software |
| Dangers | Installation of PUPs or malware, sensitive information disclosure, financial losses |
| Symptoms | A phishing e-mail asking you to sign in |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 7 more facts
| Evidence | 4 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
|---|---|
| Arrives as | |
| Pretends to be | A well-known company |
| Claim | Your account needs urgent attention |
| Asks for | Your password |
| First seen | 2 December 2022 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
What the Pcsoftwaresafeties.site e-mail scam e-mail looks like
Your PC is infected with 5 viruses!
ACTION REQUIRED!
Your McAfee Subscription Has Expired!
Renew now to keep your pc protected.
If your PC is unprotected, it is at risk for viruses and other malware.
How to tell the Pcsoftwaresafeties.site e-mail scam e-mail is fake
From our report of Dec 2022 · not reviewed since
- The main goal of the site is to portray a seemingly legitimate security scan conducted by a known security vendor McAfee, although the real company has nothing to do with this scam.
- After the removal of adware and other PUPs, you should take your time to clean your browser from cookies and other trackers - can help you with that
Is Pcsoftwaresafeties.site e-mail scam dangerous? What the senders want
From our report of Dec 2022 · not reviewed since
Pcsoftwaresafeties.site is a scammer-created website that shows fake virus infection alerts
Pcsoftwaresafeties.site is not the only website that tries to mirror a legitimate security vendor in order to trick people into clicking on its advertisement links and purchasing software from there.
Users can come across such pages while browsing the web using any browser, including Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox, etc. In most cases, they get redirected to these malicious websites after clicking on a suspicious link present somewhere else on the internet - for instance, torrent sites or illegal video streaming portals might lead them to such locations.
In some cases, the adware can make users more vulnerable to phishing scams. If you see an increase in ads, this might be why. To stop the Pcsoftwaresafeties.site redirects, it's important to remove any unwanted software from your system. We'll explain how to do this easily, as well as show ways of getting rid of pesky push notifications if you have accidentally enabled them.
From our report of Dec 2022 · not reviewed since
How scammers reach their goals
The premise of Pcsoftwaresafeties.site authors is rather simple: they rely on social engineering to make visitors do what they want them to do.
The easiest way is to find individuals not experienced in the IT field and prey on their fears.
In this case, they imitate a scanner from a reputable security software provider and then show a result that could make people alarmed about their computer security. While there are several pop-ups and messages shown on the fake site, the final "result" pop-up informs the victims of the following:
Not only do they imply virus infections that are unlikely to be there, but they also claim that the security software (regardless of whether or not the victim uses such software) has expired and the license has to be renewed.
From our report of Dec 2022 · not reviewed since
What can crooks achieve?
After users see the fake message on the Pcsoftwaresafeties.site, they would have to decide whether to trust it or not.
If they do choose to trust it, there's a "Proceed" button that takes them to an anti-malware software sale site that scam artists get a commission from every time a user buys something.
It's crucial to keep in mind that you can never truly trust these types of sites. They could be workplaces for spoofing websites, where users would then input their credit card information or other data - resulting in the info being given straight to cybercriminals.
Scammers could then sell it on underground forums or use it for other malicious means. So, if you input any personal information on a scam website, be prepared to receive more phishing attempts - likely in the form of calls or emails.
Some users could be scammed into downloading fake security software, which would only infect their machines.
From our report of Dec 2022 · not reviewed since
Check the system for infections
Even though the Pcsoftwaresafeties.site message is just made up and holds no value, you shouldn't ignore the possibility of your computer being infected entirely.
People who have adware, especially, have been known to come across phishing more often while they're online, as well as see a lot of ads while they're browsing the web.
Although you may not think your device is infected if you're not experiencing any symptoms, we urge you to scan it for malware anyway. The best way to do so is by running a full system scan with , , or another powerful anti-malware program. To do this manually, start by uninstalling any applications that look suspicious or unwanted from your system.
While moving apps into Trash is usually how you delete most normal applications, adware tends to create additional files for persistence. Thus, you should look for .plist and other files that could be related to the virus. If you are not sure, skip this step entirely.
To fully remove an unwanted app, you need to access Application Support, LaunchAgents, and LaunchDaemons folders and delete relevant files:
After that, you can investigate the browser for any installed extensions. Oftentimes, Adware is spread as a browser extension because it is easy to create and maintain. You can effortlessly get rid of unnecessary add-ons by pressing the "Extensions" button next to the menu in your browser. To clean your browsers from cookies and other trackers, use automatic repair and maintenance software .
- Enter Control Panel into the Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
- From the list, find the entry of the suspicious program.
- Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
- If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
- Wait till uninstallation process is complete and click OK.
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for all related entries.
- Click on the app and drag it to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash)
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and click Go or press Enter.
- In the Application Support folder, look for any dubious entries and then delete them.
- Now enter /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders the same way and terminate all the related .plist files.
What to do after the Pcsoftwaresafeties.site e-mail
If you only received the message and clicked nothing, step 3 is all you need.
If you clicked the link or typed anything on the page it opened, do every step, starting with the password.
Step 1: Change the password you typed on the fake page
If you entered a password after clicking the link in the Pcsoftwaresafeties.site message, treat that account as known to the sender.
Open the provider's real site by typing its address yourself, not through any link in the e-mail, and change the password there. Choose a new one you have never used before, and change it on every other account that shared the old one.
Then use the option to sign out of all other sessions or devices, if the provider has one. This works the same in any browser on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Microsoft account, Security page (account.microsoft.com/security): Change password. Full procedure with screenshots: Turn on two-step verification / secure a hacked account
Step 2: Turn on two-step verification
Two-step verification asks for a code from your phone or an authenticator app whenever someone signs in from a new device. A stolen password alone is then not enough to open the mailbox.
Turn it on in the security settings of the e-mail account first, then for the bank, shop and social accounts that send their reset links to that address.
While you are there, check the recovery e-mail and phone number and the forwarding rules, which attackers sometimes change to keep access. The settings pages look the same on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Microsoft account: Manage how I sign in, where two-step verification and the sign-in methods are. Full procedure with screenshots: Turn on two-step verification / secure a hacked account
Step 3: Report the e-mail and delete it
Report the message instead of only deleting it. In Outlook choose Report > Report phishing, in Gmail the three-dot menu > Report phishing; the provider then blocks the same message for other people.
Do not reply and do not click anything else in it. On a work account, forward it to your IT team as an attachment first. Web mail and the mail apps on Windows 11 and Windows 10 offer the same options.
New Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the web: Report > Report phishing. Full procedure with screenshots: Report a phishing e-mail
Step 4: Scan the PC if you opened a file from the message
A page that only asked for a password installs nothing, so most readers can skip this step.
If the Pcsoftwaresafeties.site e-mail or the page it opened made you download or open a file, delete it and run a full scan, then a Microsoft Defender Offline scan.
In Windows 11 and Windows 10 open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now. The PC restarts and the scan takes about 15 minutes, so save your work first.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
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There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity.
While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.
Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.
Data backups are important - recover your lost files
Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data.
Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.
While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
From our report of Dec 2022 · not reviewed since
Get rid of intrusive push notifications from Pcsoftwaresafeties.site
Websites like Pcsoftwaresafeties.site often use push notifications to benefit from advertising.
Those who agree to enable push notifications will be exposed to frequent pop-ups on their desktops.
Many times, push notifications to contain false or dangerous information, like telling users their device is infected with a virus. Do not click on these types of messages, as you could end up downloading malware onto your system, giving away personal information to criminals, or wasting money on things you don't need. To get rid of these pop-ups, follow the steps below.
Questions about Pcsoftwaresafeties.site e-mail scam
I opened the "Your PC is infected with 5 viruses!" e-mail. Am I hacked?
No. Opening and reading a phishing e-mail does not give anyone access to your account or your PC. Modern mail programs block scripts and remote content by default, so reading the message "Your PC is infected with 5 viruses!" only showed you text and pictures.
The danger comes from clicking the button and typing your password on the page it opens, or from opening an attached file. If you did neither, report the message as phishing and delete it.
If you clicked but closed the page without typing anything, there is also nothing to fix. If you did type a password, change it from another device and turn on two-step verification.
I typed my password after "Your PC is infected with 5 viruses!". What now?
Act within the hour. From another device, open the real site of the account the message "Your PC is infected with 5 viruses!" imitated and change the password. If the same password is used anywhere else, change it there too.
Sign out of all other sessions, check the recovery e-mail and phone number, and look for mail forwarding rules or filters you did not create. Then turn on two-step verification with an authenticator app or a passkey.
If the fake page also asked for a card number or a bank login, call your bank and ask them to block the card. Finally, report the e-mail so others are warned.
Is Pcsoftwaresafeties.site really from a well-known company?
No. It is sent by scammers who copy the name and look of a well-known company. The sender address and the links do not belong to it, and the message asks for your password, which a real company does not request through an unexpected message.
If you want to be sure about your account, open the website or app of a well-known company the way you normally do, not through the message, and look for notices there. Then delete the message and report it as phishing. If you already followed its instructions, use the steps in this guide for your case.
Is it true that your account needs urgent attention?
No. The claim that your account needs urgent attention is the hook of Pcsoftwaresafeties.site, invented to give you a reason to act quickly. Scammers pick a story that could plausibly apply to many people, so it may feel relevant to you, but nothing in the message is based on your real accounts or devices.
If the claim concerns a service you use, check it there directly, by opening the website or app yourself. You will find no such problem. Then delete the message and report it as phishing.
What happens if I do what Pcsoftwaresafeties.site asks?
The scammers get your password, and they use it quickly. Passwords are tried on the real service within minutes, cards are charged or added to phone wallets, remote access is used to open your bank, and crypto is moved on at once.
Documents surface later as accounts in your name. If you already did what the message asked, do not wait to see what happens; follow the steps in this guide for your case today. Speed matters more than anything else here.
Will a well-known company refund me if I fell for Pcsoftwaresafeties.site?
A well-known company did not send the message and is not responsible for it, so a refund usually comes from your bank or card issuer, not from the brand. Call the bank first if you paid.
It still helps to tell the real company: they can secure your account, add notes for their fraud team and take down pages that use their name. Contact them through their official website or app only, never through the message or a search ad. Keep the message as evidence.
How quickly do scammers use a phished password?
Often within minutes. Phishing kits send each password to the operators as soon as it is typed, and many test it automatically on the real service. Some kits also pass the two-step code through in real time.
That is why the first hour matters: change the password, end all sessions and check that the recovery details are still yours. If nothing has changed by then, you were probably fast enough, but keep watching for login alerts and password-reset e-mails for a few weeks.
How do I report Pcsoftwaresafeties.site to my mail provider?
Use the built-in button. In Outlook, select the message and choose Report > Report phishing. In Gmail, open the message, click the three-dot menu and choose Report phishing.
Scam text messages can be forwarded to your carrier's spam number, which is 7726 in the US and the UK.
On social networks, use the report option on the message or the profile. Reporting trains the filters that protect you and other users, and it takes a few seconds. Then delete the message.
Does Pcsoftwaresafeties.site mean my PC is hacked?
Not necessarily. The sign reported, an e-mail with the subject "Your PC is infected with 5 viruses!", is usually caused by a password that leaked or was phished, not by malware on the PC.
Passwords leak in breaches of other websites and are tried on many services. Still, rule out the PC:
- run a full scan in Windows Security
- check Installed apps for anything you do not recognise
- look at the browser's extensions
If all is clean, the problem lies with the account, and changing the password with two-step verification turned on is the fix.
Will Fortect remove Pcsoftwaresafeties.site?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For Pcsoftwaresafeties.site, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- Imperva: Phishing attacks (read October 7, 2026)
- Kaspersky: What are Cookies? (read October 7, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize and avoid phishing scams (read October 7, 2026)
- CISA: Recognize and report phishing (read October 7, 2026)
- Microsoft Support: Protect yourself from phishing (read October 7, 2026)