Software update notices at overseas hotels may actually be attempts to infect travelers’ laptops with malware warns the U.S. government’s Internet Crime Complain Center (IC3).

In a recent Intelligence Note, the IC3 says travelers’ attempting to connect to Internet hotspots in overseas hotels are receiving pop-up windows offering an update to a legitimate, popular application. When they accept the update, however, their laptops are actually infected with malware. The note does not identify the software or the countries involved or provide details on the malware.

The FBI, which is actively investigating the incidents, recommends that business, academic, and government travelers update their software before going abroad, and that they be suspicious of apparently routine updates they receive while connected through hotels. If they do need to update while overseas, it recommends that they download directly from the vendor’s Web site rather than clicking on links in popups.

Further, the note says that Americans who believe their laptops have been infected through this exploit should contact their local FBI office and report the infection on the ICE’s website.