How to spot scams like "DO NOT PRESS ANY KEY"

What kind of scam is "DO NOT PRESS ANY KEY"?

Displayed by a malicious website, "DO NOT PRESS ANY KEY" is a fake error similar to Windows Support Alert, Microsoft Azure, Internet Security Alert, and many others. 

Research shows that users often visit this website inadvertently - they are redirected by various unwanted programs. In most cases, unwanted apps infiltrate systems without permission. As well as causing redirects, they record various sensitive data, deliver intrusive advertisements (coupons, banners, pop-ups, etc.), and run unnecessary processes.

"DO NOT PRESS ANY KEY" scam overview

"DO NOT PRESS ANY KEY" states that the system is infected and encourages users to immediately contact "Microsoft's technicians" via a telephone number ("1-888-355-6754") provided. These people then supposedly guide victims through the malware removal process.

Be aware, however, that "DO NOT PRESS ANY KEY" error is fake and has nothing to do with Microsoft. It is designed to scare and trick victims into calling, and paying for technical support that is not needed. The infection simply does not exist. Furthermore, these "technicians" (cyber criminals) are likely to request remote access to users' computers.

This, to stealthily install malware and change system settings. They then claim to find additional errors and offer further help for an extra fee. For these reasons, the "DO NOT PRESS ANY KEY" error should be ignored.

It can be removed by closing the web browser (preferably, via "Task Manager") or rebooting the system. After re-opening web browsers, however, never click "Restore Closed Tabs" or you will return to the malicious website.

As mentioned above, unwanted programs record various user-system information (e.g., IP addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, etc.) Collected data typically includes personal details that developers of shady apps sell to generate revenue - they sell it to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

In this way, developers put your privacy at risk. Furthermore, rogue apps deliver intrusive advertisements that overlay visited website content (thereby significantly diminishing the browsing experience), and might also redirect to malicious websites or run scripts designed to stealthily download and install malware or unwanted programs.

Therefore, even a single click might result in high-risk computer infections. Some potentially malicious apps mine cryptocurrencies or perform other unnecessary tasks in the background. These programs essentially misuse system resources, thereby reducing overall performance.

Threat Summary:

Name	DO NOT PRESS ANY KEY virus
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Fake Claim	Access to computer is blocked
Disguise	Warning from Microsoft
Tech Support Scammer Phone Number	1-888-355-6754
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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner 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.

Similar scams in general

"DO NOT PRESS ANY KEY" shares many similarities with dozens of other fake errors. All claim that the system is damaged (for instance, infected, missing files, etc.), however, they are designed only to to extort money from unsuspecting users. In addition, potentially unwanted programs share many similarities.

Most offer various "useful features", however, they typically deliver no real value for regular users. Rogue apps are designed only to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than enabling the functionality promised, they pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.

How did unwanted programs install on my computer?

To proliferate rogue apps, developers employ the aforementioned intrusive ads, and a deceptive marketing method called "bundling". As mentioned above, apps of this kind typically infiltrate systems without permission. "Bundling" is stealth installation of rogue apps together with regular software.

Developers hide "bundled" apps within various sections (most likely "Advanced/Custom" settings). Furthermore, many users skip download/installation steps and click advertisements without considering the possible consequences. This behavior often leads to inadvertent installation of unwanted applications.

How to avoid installation of  unwanted applications?

The main reasons for computer infections are poor knowledge and careless behavior. The key to safety is caution. Therefore, pay close attention when browsing the Internet and downloading/installing software. Be aware that criminals invest many resources into intrusive ad design.

Therefore, most look legitimate and useful, however, these ads are distinguishable for their redirects - they lead to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and other dubious websites. If you experience such redirects, uninstall all suspicious applications/browser add-ons.

Furthermore, select "Custom/Advanced" settings, closely analyze each step, and opt-out of all additionally-included programs. In addition, we strongly advise you to avoid using any third party download/installation tools, since criminals monetize them by promoting rogue programs (the "bundling" method).

Text presented in "DO NOT PRESS ANY KEY" pop-up:

Your computer is in blocked state.
SYSTEM WARNING: DO NOT PRESS ANY KEY UNTIL YOUR KNOW SAFE SIDE INSTRUCTIONS.
For safety instructions immediately call on the support number, a Microsoft Super Technician is waiting to guide you to safeguard your system.
You must not avoid this warning, as this is very critical infection. Microsoft Super Technicians are level 9 technicians which are expertise in resolving these kind of issues.
THIS CALL IS A TOLL FREE CALL @ 1-888-355-6754

The appearance of "DO NOT PRESS ANY KEY" pop-up (GIF):

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▼ 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 DO NOT PRESS ANY KEY virus?
• How to identify a pop-up scam?
• How do pop-up scams work?
• How to remove fake pop-ups?
• How to prevent fake pop-ups?
• What to do if you fell for a pop-up scam?

How to identify a pop-up scam?

Pop-up windows with various fake messages are a common type of lures cybercriminals use. They collect sensitive personal data, trick Internet users into calling fake tech support numbers, subscribe to useless online services, invest in shady cryptocurrency schemes, etc.

While in the majority of cases these pop-ups don't infect users' devices with malware, they can cause direct monetary loss or could result in identity theft.

Cybercriminals strive to create their rogue pop-up windows to look trustworthy, however, scams typically have the following characteristics:

• Spelling mistakes and non-professional images - Closely inspect the information displayed in a pop-up. Spelling mistakes and unprofessional images could be a sign of a scam.
• Sense of urgency - Countdown timer with a couple of minutes on it, asking you to enter your personal information or subscribe to some online service.
• Statements that you won something - If you haven't participated in a lottery, online competition, etc., and you see a pop-up window stating that you won.
• Computer or mobile device scan - A pop-up window that scans your device and informs of detected issues - is undoubtedly a scam; webpages cannot perform such actions.
• Exclusivity - Pop-up windows stating that only you are given secret access to a financial scheme that can quickly make you rich.

Example of a pop-up scam:

How do pop-up scams work?

Cybercriminals and deceptive marketers usually use various advertising networks, search engine poisoning techniques, and shady websites to generate traffic to their pop-ups. Users land on their online lures after clicking on fake download buttons, using a torrent website, or simply clicking on an Internet search engine result.

Based on users' location and device information, they are presented with a scam pop-up. Lures presented in such pop-ups range from get-rich-quick schemes to fake virus scans.

How to remove fake pop-ups?

In most cases, pop-up scams do not infect users' devices with malware. If you encountered a scam pop-up, simply closing it should be enough. In some cases scam, pop-ups may be hard to close; in such cases - close your Internet browser and restart it.

In extremely rare cases, you might need to reset your Internet browser. For this, use our instructions explaining how to reset Internet browser settings.

How to prevent fake pop-ups?

To prevent seeing pop-up scams, you should visit only reputable websites. Torrent, Crack, free online movie streaming, YouTube video download, and other websites of similar reputation commonly redirect Internet users to pop-up scams.

To minimize the risk of encountering pop-up scams, you should keep your Internet browsers up-to-date and use reputable anti-malware application. For this purpose, we recommend Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.

What to do if you fell for a pop-up scam?

This depends on the type of scam that you fell for. Most commonly, pop-up scams try to trick users into sending money, giving away personal information, or giving access to one's device.

• If you sent money to scammers: You should contact your financial institution and explain that you were scammed. If informed promptly, there's a chance to get your money back.
• If you gave away your personal information: You should change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication in all online services that you use. Visit Federal Trade Commission to report identity theft and get personalized recovery steps.
• If you let scammers connect to your device: You should scan your computer with reputable anti-malware (we recommend Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows) - cyber criminals could have planted trojans, keyloggers, and other malware, don't use your computer until removing possible threats.
• Help other Internet users: report Internet scams to Federal Trade Commission.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a pop-up scam?

A pop-up scam is a deceptive technique where fraudulent pop-up windows appear on a user's screen, often mimicking legitimate messages or warnings.

What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?

Typically, these scams are employed to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information, downloading malware, or engaging in other fraudulent activities.

Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?

These pop-ups are displayed on pages that users open mostly via deceptive ads, notifications from unreliable websites, or pages that use rogue advertising networks (e.g., torrent sites or illegal movie streaming pages). Adware can also be used to promote websites that show fake pop-ups.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?

Combo Cleaner is crafted to thoroughly scan each website you visit, effectively identifying any malicious ones. This includes sites designed for pop-up scams; if such a site is detected, you will promptly receive a warning, and access will be restricted.

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