Win an IphoneX Scam

What is Win an IphoneX?

"Win an IphoneX" is a scam message displayed by various deceptive websites. Research shows that, in most cases, users are redirected to these sites by potentially unwanted programs (PUPs).

Therefore, they visit them inadvertently. PUPs often infiltrate systems without permission, deliver intrusive advertisements, gather sensitive information, and even misuse system resources to run unwanted background processes.

The "Win an IphoneX" message states that users have the chance to win an Iphone X smartphone. All they have to do is choose the "correct" gift box from the ones displayed. In fact, "Win an IphoneX" is a scam - all claims regarding the possibility to win are false.

After clicking the gift box, users are presented with another message asking them to enter personal information (e.g., email addresses). This scam gathers information that is used to generate revenue (developers sell the data to third parties). Never trust the "Win an IphoneX" message and leave this website immediately.

Note that some sites use scripts that prevent users from closing browsing tabs and web browsers. In this case, close the browser via Task Manager or simply reboot the computer. After re-running your browser, never 'restore previous session/tabs', otherwise you will return to the malicious site.

Most potentially unwanted programs deliver coupon, banner, pop-up, and other similar ads. To achieve this, developers employ various tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, the ads often conceal underlying website content, thereby diminishing the browsing experience.

In addition, displayed ads can lead to malicious websites and run scripts designed to download and install malware (or other PUPs). Therefore, even a single click can result in high-risk computer infections. Another significant downside is information tracking.

Potentially unwanted programs record IP addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, keystrokes, geo-locations, and other similar data. The information often contains private details that PUP developers share with third parties to generate revenue. There is a high probability that information tracking will lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft.

Research shows that some PUPs are known to mine cryptocurrencies (more information here) or run other unwanted processes in the background.

These programs essentially misuse up to 100% of system resources without users' consent, thereby significantly reducing overall system performance. We strongly recommend that you uninstall all potentially unwanted programs immediately.

Threat Summary:

Name	"Win an IphoneX" 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. ▼ 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.

There are hundreds of potentially unwanted programs, all of which are virtually identical. By offering "useful features", PUPs attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, these programs are designed only to generate revenue for the developers, and thus typically deliver no real value for regular users. PUPs pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.

How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?

Some PUPs have official download/promotion websites, however, due to the lack of knowledge and careless behavior of many users, PUPs often infiltrate systems without permission. PUPs are proliferated using intrusive advertisements together with a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" (stealth installation of PUPs with regular apps).

"Bundled" applications are hidden within "Advanced/Custom" settings or other sections of the download/installation processes (developers do not disclose this information properly).

Skipping download/installation steps and clicking advertisements often leads to inadvertent installation of rogue applications - this exposes systems to risk of various infections and compromises users' privacy.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

To prevent system infiltration by PUPs, be very cautious when browsing the Internet, and when downloading/installing software. Intrusive advertisements often seem legitimate. Once clicked, however, they redirect to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and other untrustworthy websites.

If you encounter these redirects, immediately eliminate all dubious applications and browser plug-ins. Remember also to carefully analyze each window of the download/installation dialogs using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings. Opt-out of all additionally-included programs and decline offers to download/install them.

We also strongly recommend that you download your software only from official/trusted sources using direct download links, rather than third party downloaders/installers. Criminals monetize these tools using the "bundling" method, and thus you are advised not to use them. The key to computer safety is caution.

Text presented in "Win an IphoneX" scam:

Internet provider's promotional contest as for [Date]
Dear client, we would like to thank you for your loyalty to our Internet provider, therefore, we offer you a chance to win an iPhone X.
Win an iPhone X!
All you have to do is choose the correct gift box

Second step of"Win an IphoneX" scam:

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 Win an IphoneX?
• 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 "win an iphonex" 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 "win an iphonex" 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 "win an iphonex" 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 "win an iphonex" 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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