That’s when the pop-up appeared. It wasn’t one of the usual scam banners. It was a deep, obsidian black box with silver text:
Go to the official IMVU website or download the IMVU Mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Choose your Gender: Select your starting avatar style. Imvu Account For Free
into any website other than the official IMVU app or portal. That’s when the pop-up appeared