Marley and Malware? - Staying safe online with Bella

It started with a simple plan: we just wanted to watch Marley & Me.

A quick Google search, one click on a random movie site… and suddenly our screen lit up like a Christmas tree.

Before we could say “bad dog!”, we were knee deep in scam popups and fake virus alerts.

What's actually going on?

The problem with movies like Marley & Me, is they're not often on the streaming sites we're all subscribed to here in New Zealand. After discounting the very expensive options we were suggested, the site we thought was going to show us a multitude of cute golden retrievers is loaded with illegitimate advertising.

Sites like the one we landed on don’t actually scan your computer. Instead, they throw up fake popups that look like antivirus alerts to freak you out. They might:

• Pretend to run a system scan
• Show your IP address or browser info to look more legit
• Urge you to call a fake support number or install a “cleaner” app

These scams are designed to trick you - not help you. They’re everywhere on movie and streaming sites that aren’t 100% legit.

Bella's security tips for streaming safely

Bella (our Chief Security Pup) knows a thing or two about keeping curious humans safe. Here’s her advice:

• Don’t click anything or call anyone, just close the browser tab
• Don’t download software unless you know it’s legit
• Use proper antivirus software, not something from a random popup
• Trust your gut. If it feels dodgy, it probably is

What to do if you did click something

Don’t panic. Even Marley got into trouble sometimes.
Here’s what to do:

1. Close the tab or browser immediately
2. Don’t install anything - even if it says it’s an “emergency fix”
3. Run a scan using your actual antivirus software
4. Call us - we can help check everything’s clean

Why these scams work

These popups are part of a scam tactic called social engineering - tricking people into acting out of fear. The scammer’s goal is to:

• Get you to install malware
• Call a fake number where they’ll ask for money or remote access
• Or get you to hand over personal info

And because they look like official alerts, lots of people fall for them.

Keep your tech (and your dog movies) safe with Mint

At Mint, we’re not just about fixing things when they break.
We help businesses stay safe online every day - whether that means:

• Cleaning up malware
• Setting up proper antivirus and cyber security
• Giving advice when something weird pops up

If you’ve clicked something strange, noticed new popups, or just want peace of mind, we’re here to help.