Avoid getting scammed by fake "Call Windows Help Desk Immediately" sites
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is "Call Windows Help Desk Immediately"?
"Call Windows Help Desk Immediately" is a fake error message displayed by a malicious website. This is a technical support scam.
Users often visit such websites inadvertently - they are redirected by potentially unwanted adware-type programs (PUPs). These applications infiltrate systems without consent. As well as causing unwanted redirects, this type of adware delivers intrusive online advertisements and continually tracks users' Internet browsing activity.
"Call Windows Help Desk Immediately" scam overview
The "Call Windows Help Desk Immediately" error message states that the computer has been infected and that private details (passwords, banking details, etc.) are at risk. Users are advised that the virus must be removed immediately by contacting "certified technicians" via a telephone number ("+1-844-283-9465") provided.
They will then supposedly receive help in solving the problem. Be aware, however, that this error message is a scam. The aforementioned viruses do not exist. Cyber criminals attempt to trick victims into calling and paying for services that are not needed. Therefore, you should ignore this message and never attempt to contact these people.
Furthermore, adware-type applications employ a 'virtual layer' to deliver pop-up, coupon, banner, and other similar ads. This enables placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, displayed ads often conceal underlying content, thereby significantly diminishing the Internet browsing experience.
These ads often redirect to malicious websites - clicking them is risky and can result in further computer infections. In addition, adware continually gathers various data relating to Internet browsing activity.
The recorded information (IP addresses, search queries, URLs visited, pages viewed, etc.) might contain personal details that developers share with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who generate revenue by misusing personal details.
Thus, the presence of information-tracking apps on your system can result in serious privacy issues or even identity theft. Uninstall all adware-type applications immediately.
| Name | Call Windows Help Desk Immediately virus |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
| Fake Claim | Visitor's device has been infected, and their data is in danger. |
| Disguise | Microsoft/Windows |
| Tech Support Scammer Phone Number | +1-844-283-9465, +61-1800-875-402, +1-844-390-0784, +61 1800 431 429 |
| Symptoms | Fake error messages, fake system warnings, pop-up errors, hoax computer scan. |
| Distribution methods | Compromised websites, rogue online pop-up ads, potentially unwanted applications. |
| Damage | Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft, possible malware infections. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Tech support scam examples
There are dozens of fake errors encouraging users to call certain telephone numbers. Examples include "Windows Security Alert", "Internet Security Damaged", "Your PC Ran Into A Problem", and many others. As with "Call Windows Help Desk Immediately", these errors claim that the computer is damaged in some way.
In fact, these claims are false. The only purpose of fake error messages and adware-type applications is to generate revenue for the developers.
By offering various 'useful features', PUPs attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, rather than providing any value for regular users, adware-type applications deliver intrusive online advertisements and continually gather personal details. In the above case, PUPs also cause unwanted redirects
How did adware install on my computer?
To proliferate adware-type applications, developers employ a deceptive marketing method called "bundling", since they know that users often rush the download/installation processes and skip most steps.
Therefore, all bundled programs are concealed within the "Custom/Advanced" settings of these procedures. Skipping this section often leads to inadvertent installation of rogue applications.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
There are two simple steps you should take to prevent this situation. Firstly, never rush when downloading and installing software. Select the "Custom/Advanced" settings and closely analyze each step. Secondly, decline offers to download/install additional applications and cancel those already included.
A variant of this tech support scam using a +61-1800-875-402 phone number:
Another variant of this scam (uses a phone number of +1-844-390-0784):
Jet another variant of this scam (tech support scammers are using "+61 1800 431 429" phone number):
The appearance of "Call Windows Help Desk Immediately" tech support scam pop-up:
Text presented within the "Call Windows Help Desk Immediately" error message:
Call Windows Help Desk Immediately at +1-844-283-9465
The following data will be compromised of you continue:
1. Passwords
2. Browser History
3. Credit Card information
This virus is well known for complete identity and credit card theft. Further action through this computer or any computer on the network will reveal private information and involve serious risks. Call Windows Help Desk Immediately at +1-844-283-9465 “0x80070424 Warning: Activation Key Damaged !!! Call Windows Help Desk +1-844-283-9465 (TOLL-FREE)”
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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Quick menu:
- What is Call Windows Help Desk Immediately?
- STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove adware from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue extension from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Adware removal:
Windows 11 users:
Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.
Windows 10 users:
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
macOS (OSX) users:
Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
In the uninstall programs window, look for any suspicious/recently-installed applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:
Click the "gear" icon 
(at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for any recently-installed suspicious browser extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the call windows help desk immediately virus, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.
Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.
In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.
Click the Reset button.
Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, select these entries and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the call windows help desk immediately virus, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with call windows help desk immediately virus removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.
Optional method:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge menu icon 
(at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the call windows help desk immediately virus, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is an online scam?
An online scam is a type of deceptive content hosted on the Web. It aims to trick users into performing specific actions, e.g., calling fake support lines, allowing cyber criminals to access devices remotely, downloading/installing software, disclosing sensitive information, sending money to scammers, purchasing products, etc.
What is the purpose of an online scam?
Online scams aim to generate revenue for scammers. Cyber criminals profit predominantly by acquiring funds through deception, promoting content (e.g., sites, software, products, services, etc.), selling/abusing vulnerable data, and proliferating malware.
Why do I encounter online scams?
Online scams are primarily endorsed via websites using rogue advertising networks, spam (e.g., emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, social media posts, browser notifications, etc.), intrusive ads, typosquatting (misspelled URLs), and adware.
I cannot exit a scam page, how do I close it?
If you cannot exit a scam webpage, end the browser's process using Task Manager. Keep in mind that restoring the previous browsing session will reopen the deceptive page. Hence, start a new session when opening the browser again.
I have allowed cyber criminals to remotely access my computer, what should I do?
If you have permitted cyber criminals to access your device remotely, you must first disconnect it from the Internet. Secondly, uninstall the remote access software that the scammers used (e.g., TeamViewer, UltraViewer, etc.), as they might not need your consent to reconnect. Lastly, perform a full system scan with an anti-virus and eliminate detected threats.
I have provided my personal information when tricked by an online scam, what should I do?
If you have provided your log-in credentials – change the passwords of all possibly exposed accounts and inform their official support. And if you have disclosed other private information (e.g., ID card details, passport scans/photos, credit/debit card numbers, etc.) – immediately contact the appropriate authorities.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from online scams and the malware they proliferate?
Combo Cleaner is designed to eliminate all manner of threats. It is capable of scanning visited websites for rogue, deceptive/scam, and malicious content. Hence, should you enter a webpage hosting such – you will be warned immediately, and further access to it will be denied.
Additionally, Combo Cleaner can detect and remove almost all known malware infections. Note that running a full system scan is key since sophisticated malicious software typically hides deep within systems.
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