No it is not fraud.

Then why do I keep seeing this request to update my Thunderbird software?

It is likely your Anti-Virus product are blocking the link. You are running the latest version so update occured or you installed it yourself.

The history however, probably says you are still on previous version. It has no knowledge of current version, so you are getting the irritating pop up.

• Menu icon > Preferences or (if version 102) Settings > General
• Scroll down to 'Updates' section
• click on 'Show update history'

I suspect it does not show the latest update version which you are using.

How to fix: Access your Anti-Virus program and make the following exceptions. Add an exception Setting a global exception will exclude individual files, folders, or websites from all scans and shields.

• Add both these as exception: 'aus.thunderbird.net' and also 'www.thunderbird.net'

For example if you Avast: use info at link:

• https://support.avast.com/en-ww/article/Antivirus-scan-exclusions

Then clear old cache - I'm assuming you use Windows OS Exit Thunderbird

Access this location. In bottom search type : %Appdata% and select the 'Appdata' file folder option Then you can click on 'Local', then 'Thunderbird' and finally 'Profiles'

• C:/Users/User Account/Appdata/Local/Thunderbird/Profiles/

In the 'Profiles' folder - Delete the 'profile name' folder.

Please note you must be in the Appdata 'Local' folder - Not the 'Roaming' folder as that contains your profile and emails. You do not want to delete anything in the 'Roaming' folder.

See image below as guide.

Now Start Thunderbird.

Well since my Thunderbird is up to date, I will ignore this message on a daily bases. I can't see wasting your time and mine on a very complex unnecessary update.

It's not about an 'update' is ok - you can install updates at any time.

It's about your Anti-Virus being a pain in the proverbial. It is blocking a necessary link so the update history occurs properly. Manage your Anti-Virus because that is the problem. It must not block access and that is precisely what it is doing. You should be able to control what you want to be allowed.