Persistent desktop alerts that prompt a user to pay for virus removal or protection software are likely a form of malware known as scareware. Scareware attempts to create a sense of panic or threat, coercing the user into purchasing unneeded and often harmful services or software. These alerts should not be trusted and indicate that the system may be compromised. Therefore, such alerts are not safe, and the user should not follow these prompts without verifying the legitimacy of the alerts through reputable security applications.