How to identify scams like "Computer Detected To Be Corrupted"

What is "Computer Detected To Be Corrupted"?

"Computer Detected To Be Corrupted" is a fake error message similar to COMPUTER BLOCKED, System Activation KEY Has Expired, Block Due To Suspicious Activities, and many others.

This error is displayed by various deceptive sites that users often visit inadvertently - they are redirected by unwanted programs or intrusive ads generated by other malicious sites. In addition, those apps typically infiltrate systems without consent and, as well as causing redirects, deliver intrusive advertisements and gather sensitive data.

More about the "Computer Detected To Be Corrupted" scam

This error states that the system is damaged and, for this reason, users should immediately contact Microsoft 'tech support' via a telephone number ["(866) 288-3379"] provided. Be aware, however, that "Computer Detected To Be Corrupted" is a scam. This error is fake and has nothing to do with Microsoft.

Cyber criminals generate revenue by scaring and tricking unsuspecting users into calling and paying for technical support that is not required - your computer is likely to be completely safe. Therefore, ignore the "Computer Detected To Be Corrupted" error and certainly do not call the aforementioned telephone number.

Removing this error is simple: close the web browser. Note, however, note that some websites employ scripts that prevent users from closing browsing tabs/windows. In these cases, terminate 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 rogue site.

More about unwanted programs

These apps can deliver various intrusive ads (e.g., coupons, banners, pop-ups, and similar). To achieve this, developers employ various tools (e.g., "virtual layer") that enable placement of third party graphical content on any visited website. Therefore, intrusive ads often conceal underlying website content, thereby significantly diminishing the browsing experience.

Furthermore, these ads can lead to dubious websites or execute scripts that stealthily download and install malware. Therefore, even a single click can result in high-risk computer infections. Another important issue is information tracking.

Research shows that potentially unwanted programs are likely to gather IP addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, keystrokes, geo-locations, and other similar data that typically includes personal details. The information is shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse private details to generate revenue.

Therefore, the presence of data-tracking applications can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. All potentially unwanted programs must be uninstalled immediately.

Threat Summary:

Name	"Computer Detected To Be Corrupted" virus
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Symptoms	Unauthorized online purchases, changed online account passwords, identity theft, illegal access of one's computer.
Distribution methods	Deceptive emails, rogue online pop-up ads, search engine poisoning techniques, misspelled domains.
Damage	Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft.
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

As mentioned above, "Computer Detected To Be Corrupted" is virtually identical to dozens of other fake errors. All state that the system is damaged, however, these claims are merely attempts to extort money from unsuspecting users. Potentially unwanted programs also share many similarities.

By offering various "useful features", rogue apps attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, these programs deliver no real value for regular users. Their only purpose is to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than enabling the features promised, apps of this kind pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.

How did unwanted programs install on my computer?

Some unwanted apps have official download/installation websites, however, due to the lack of knowledge and careless behavior of many users, these apps typically infiltrate systems without permission. Developers promote them using intrusive advertisements and a deceptive marketing method called "bundling".

They hide "bundled" rogue apps within "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes. Furthermore, many users rush these processes, skip steps, and click various advertisements without understanding the possible consequences. This exposes their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.

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 intrusive advertisements typically seem legitimate.

Once clicked, however, they redirect to dubious websites (gambling, adult dating, pornography, and similar). If you experience these redirects, immediately eliminate all dubious applications and browser plug-ins. Furthermore, carefully analyze each download/installation step and opt-out of all additionally-included programs.

You are also advised to download your software from official sources only, using direct download links. Third party downloaders/installers often include rogue apps, and thus, these tools should not be used.

Text presented in "Computer Detected To Be Corrupted" pop-up:

EROR 268D3 Warning: COMPUTER DETECTED TO BE CORRUPTED & UNRECOVERABLE. CALL SPECIALIST MICROSOFT HELP DESK AT TOLL FREE (866) 288-3379
Windows Detected Potential Threats On Your Computer.
Windows Security Essentials was unable to block the virus. Windows detected several potential threats that will compromise your privacy and heart your computer.
Error Code: 0x8024402c, Windows couldn't install the definition updated. More Information & Support Please Contract (866) 288-3379

The appearance of "Computer Detected To Be Corrupted" 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 "Computer Detected To Be Corrupted" 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 an online fraud where deceptive pop-up windows (fake alerts, warnings, or other messages) appear on a user's sceen or mobile device during internet browsing. These pop-ups aim to trick users into taking actions that benefit scammers.

What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?

These scams are used to collect sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, social security numbers, or other details. Also, they may prompt users to download and install malicious software, provide remote access to their computers to scammers, pay for fake services or products.

Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?

Typically, users land on scam web pages via deceptive links received via email, unreliable ads and pop-ups on dubious pages, notifications from shady websites, or sites associated with rogue advertising networks (like torrent sites).

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?

Combo Cleaner is designed to scan every website you visit and can detect malicious ones, including those that deliver pop-up scams. It will immediately warn you and restrict access to these sites.

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