Agree with Joe, it seems to be yet another add-to-ware that comes along with something you download and install. It's actually not that new, it's an IT version of TV ads: you put your TV on, and you automatically get ads too. Unfortunately, with computers they do bring many other hazards.
I don't think there's any way to avoid them, only ways to protect oneself. The major way is: be alert. Check carefully what you download and install. And if your security software alarms you... I suggest you listen to it.