YOUR DEVICE HAS BEEN BLOCKED Scam (PC)
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is YOUR DEVICE HAS BEEN BLOCKED?
"YOUR DEVICE HAS BEEN BLOCKED" is another fake error similar to You Have A Trojan!, WANNACRY DETECTED, Windows Detected ZEUS Virus, and many others. The message is displayed by a malicious website that users often visit inadvertently - they are redirected by various potentially unwanted programs (PUPs).
Research shows that these programs infiltrate systems without permission. In addition to causing redirects, PUPs misuse system resources, generate intrusive advertisements, and record various user-system information.
The "YOUR DEVICE HAS BEEN BLOCKED" error states that the system has detected suspicious activity and that there is a possibility of high-risk computer infection. For these reasons, private details (banking information, logins/passwords, etc.) are at risk.
Users are encouraged to resolve these issues immediately, however, to do so they should contact 'technical support' via a telephone number ("+1-844-850-3385") provided. They are then supposedly guided through the entire process. Be aware, however, that, as mentioned above, "YOUR DEVICE HAS BEEN BLOCKED" is fake.
It is a scam - cyber criminals claim to be certified technicians and attempt to trick users into paying for their services that are not even needed - the malware simply does not exist. In addition, cyber criminals are likely to demand remote access to users' computers.
Once connected, they stealthily change system settings and/or install malware, and then falsely claim to "detect" additional issues and offer further services for an extra fee. For these reasons, never attempt to call the aforementioned telephone number.
"YOUR DEVICE HAS BEEN BLOCKED" can be removed simply by closing the web browser (preferably, via Task Manager) or rebooting the system, however, note that you should never click "Restore Closed Tabs" after re-running the browser, otherwise you will visit the malicious website (that displays this fake error) again.
As mentioned above, potentially unwanted programs (and some malicious websites) mine cryptocurrency or run other unwanted processes. By misusing system resources, PUPs/websites diminish overall system performance. Furthermore, potentially unwanted programs deliver coupon, banner, pop-up, and other intrusive ads.
These are delivered using various tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, displayed ads typically conceal web content, thereby diminishing the Internet browsing experience. There is also a high probability that intrusive ads will lead to malicious websites and/or even run scripts that download and install malware/PUPs.
Clicking these ads may cause high-risk computer infections. In addition, PUPs record various user-system information that might contain personally identifiable details. Collected data is later sold to third parties. Therefore, data tracking might lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. We strongly advise you to uninstall all potentially unwanted programs immediately.
| Name | "YOUR DEVICE HAS BEEN BLOCKED" virus |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Symptoms | Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Decreased Internet browsing speed. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers. |
| Damage | Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional malware infections. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Research shows that all fake errors are virtually identical. They claim that the system is infected, missing files, or damaged in other similar ways, however, these false claims are merely attempts trick users into paying for technical services that are not required. Fake search engines are essentially designed to extort money from unsuspecting users.
Potentially unwanted programs also share many similarities. By offering various "useful features", these programs attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, as with fake errors, PUPs are designed only to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than enabling the features promised, PUPs pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.
How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?
Potentially unwanted programs are often proliferated using the aforementioned intrusive advertisements, together with a deceptive marketing method called "bundling". Due to careless behavior and lack of knowledge of some users, PUPs typically infiltrate systems without permission.
"Bundling" is stealth installation of third party programs together with regular software/apps. Developers do not disclose these installations properly - they hide "bundled" apps within the "Custom/Advanced" settings of the download/installation processes. By rushing these procedures and clicking various advertisements, users expose their systems to risk of various infections.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
To prevent system infiltration by PUPs, pay close attention when browsing the Internet, and downloading and installing software. Bear in mind that intrusive ads look legitimate.
Once clicked, however, they redirect to various suspicious websites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornogrpahy, etc.) If you encounter such ads, immediately eliminate all suspicious applications and browser plug-ins. In addition, carefully observe each window of the download/installation dialogues and decline offers to download/install additional applications.
It is also important to avoid using unofficial downloaders/installers, since criminals monetize them by promoting rogue programs (the "bundling" method). The key to computer safety is caution.
Text presented in "YOUR DEVICE HAS BEEN BLOCKED" pop-up:
YOUR DEVICE HAS BEEN BLOCKED
Error #268D3
Please call us immediately at: +1-844-850-3385
Do not ignore this critical alert.
If you close this page, your device access will de disabled to prevent further damage to our network.
Please call us immediately at: +1-844-850-3385
Your device has alerted us that it has been infected with a Suspicious Activity. The following information is being stolen.
Please call us immediately at: +1-844-850-3385
> Facebook logins
> Credit Card details
> Email Account Login
> Photos stored on this device
You must contact us immediately so that our engineers can walk you through the removal process over the phone. Please call us within the next 5 minutes to prevent your device from being disabled.
The appearance of "YOUR DEVICE HAS BEEN BLOCKED" pop-up (GIF):
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:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is YOUR DEVICE HAS BEEN BLOCKED?
- 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 extensions from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Removal of potentially unwanted programs:
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 rogue extensions 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 "your device has been blocked" 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 "More 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 "your device has been blocked" 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 "your device has been blocked" 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 "your device has been blocked" 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.
Post a comment:
If you have additional information on "your device has been blocked" virus or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion