Comcast Cable Warning Alert Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Comcast Cable Warning Alert?
"Comcast Cable Warning Alert" is another fake error similar to Do Not Ignore This Windows Alert, Code 055BCCAC9FEC, Microsoft Warning Alert, and many others. This error is displayed by malicious sites that users often visit inadvertently - they are redirected by intrusive advertisements (displayed by other dubious sites) or potentially unwanted programs (PUPs).
Research shows that PUPs infiltrate systems without permission and, as well as causing redirects, deliver intrusive ads, gather sensitive information, and run unwanted processes.
This error states that the system is infected with malware that gathers various sensitive data (logins/passwords, banking information, etc.) The malware must be eliminated immediately, and thus users are encouraged to immediately contact 'technicians' via a telephone number ["+1 (866) 475-7161"] provided.
These people then supposedly guide victims through the malware removal process. In fact, "Comcast Cable Warning Alert" is fake. This message is a scam - cyber criminals generate revenue by tricking unsuspecting users into calling and paying for unnecessary technical support.
Therefore, this error should be ignored - immediately leave the website that displays "Comcast Cable Warning Alert". Note that some sites employ scripts that prevent users from closing browsing tabs/windows. In these cases, close the browser via Task Manager or simply reboot the system.
After re-running the browser, do not restore the previous session, otherwise you will re-open the malicious sites. In addition, "Comcast Cable Warning Alert" error-displaying sites detect the victim's Internet service provider and display a different variant of this message accordingly (full list of variants).
Potentially unwanted programs deliver intrusive ads (coupons, banners, pop-ups, etc.) by employing various tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, the ads often conceal visited website content, significantly diminishing the browsing experience.
Furthermore they might redirect to malicious sites and execute scripts designed to download/install malware. Therefore, even a single click can result in high-risk computer infections. Another important downside is data tracking. Most PUPs collect information relating to web browsing habits.
The data often includes personal details that developers sell to third parties (who also misuse private information to generate revenue).
This behavior can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. Some PUPs run unwanted background processes (e.g., to mine cryptocurrency) without permission. These programs essentially misuse system resources, thereby significantly reducing overall system performance.
Name | "Comcast Cable Warning Alert" 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. |
As mentioned above, "Comcast Cable Warning Alert" shares many similarities with dozens of other fake errors. All claim that the system is damaged (e.g., infected, missing files, and so on), however, these claims are merely attempts to extort money from unsuspecting users. Research shows that potentially unwanted programs also share many similarities.
Most offer useful features, but these programs deliver no real value. PUPs pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety. They are designed only to generate revenue for the developers.
How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?
To proliferate PUPs, developers employ a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" and intrusive advertising. "Bundling" is stealth installation of PUPs with regular software, however, developers do not disclose these installations properly - they hide "bundled" programs within "Custom/Advanced" options or other sections of these procedures.
In addition, some users skip download/installation steps and click suspicious links/ads, without understanding the possible consequences. This behavior leads to inadvertent installation of potentially unwanted programs - users simply expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
The main reasons for computer infections are poor knowledge and careless behavior - the key to safety is caution. Therefore, pay lose attention when downloading/installing software, and browsing the Internet. Ensure that you carefully analyze each window of the download/installation dialogs and opt-out of all additionally-included programs.
Furthermore, avoid using third party downloaders/installers, since criminals monetize them using the "bundling" method. Software should be downloaded from official sources only, using direct download links.
It is also important to note that intrusive ads often seem legitimate, but once clicked, redirect to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and other dubious sites. If you encounter these redirects, immediately check the list of installed applications/browser plug-ins and eliminate any suspicious entries.
Text presented in "Comcast Cable Warning Alert" pop-up:
Comcast Cable Warning Alert
Malicious Spyware/Riskware Detected
Error# 0x86672ee7
Please call us immediately at: +1 (866) 475-7161
Do not ignore this critical alert.
If you close this page, your computer access will be disabled to prevent further damage to our network.
Your computer has alerted us that it has been infected with a Spyware and risk ware. The following information is being stolen...
Financial Data
Facebook Logins
Credit Card Details
Email Account Logins
Photos stored on this computer
You must contact us immediately so that our expert engineers can walk you through the removal process over the phone to protect your identity.
Please call us within the next 5 minutes to prevent your computer from being disabled to from any information loss.
Toll Free: +1(866) 475-7161
The appearance of "Comcast Cable Warning Alert" pop-up (GIF):
One of "Comcast Cable Warning Alert" scam's variants:
Full list of Comcast Cable Warning Alert scam variants:
Comcast Xfinity Warning Alert
AT&T Internet Warning Alert
Verizon Fios Warning Alert
Charter Communications Warning Alert
HughesNet Warning Alert
Excede Internet Warning Alert
CenturyLink Warning Alert
Frontier Warning Alert
Cricket Wireless Warning Alert
Mediacom Warning Alert
Cox Communications Warning Alert
Sprint Warning Alert
Windstream Warning Alert
T-Mobile Warning Alert
WOW Warning Alert
Dish Network Warning Alert
Cable ONE Warning Alert
Suddenlink Warning Alert
U.S. Cellular Warning Alert
Google Fiber Warning Alert
CloudVPS Warning Alert
QuadraNet Warning Alert
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 Comcast Cable Warning Alert?
- 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 "comcast cable warning alert" 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 "comcast cable warning alert" 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 on "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with "comcast cable warning alert" 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 "comcast cable warning alert" 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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