Please Call Apple Support POP-UP Scam (Mac)

What is Please Call Apple Support?

"Please Call Apple Support" is a fake error message displayed by various malicious websites. Research shows that many users visit these sites inadvertently - they are redirected by potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) or intrusive ads delivered by other dubious sites.

Be aware that PUPs typically infiltrate systems without consent, deliver intrusive advertisements, and gather sensitive information.

This error states that the Mac OS is infected with a number of viruses that must be eliminated immediately. To achieve this, users are encouraged to contact Apple's 'tech support' via a telephone number ("1-877-695-0922") provided and follow the instructions. Be aware, however, that the "Please Call Apple Support" error is fake and a scam.

Cyber criminals generate revenue by scaring and tricking gullible users into calling and paying for tech support that is not required. Therefore, ignore the "Please Call Apple Support" error and never call the aforementioned telephone number.

You can remove this issue simply by closing the web browser, however, note that some rogue sites employ scripts designed to prevent users from closing browsing tabs/windows. In these cases, eliminate the browser using Task Manager or simply reboot the system. After re-running the browser, do not restore the previous session, otherwise you will return to the malicious site/s.

As mentioned above, potentially unwanted programs deliver intrusive ads such as coupons, banners, pop-ups, and so on. To achieve this, developers employ tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, ads often conceal underlying content, thereby significantly diminishing the browsing experience.

Furthermore, intrusive ads can lead to malicious sites and execute scripts that stealthily download and install malware/PUPs. Even accidental clicks can result in high-risk computer infections. Potentially unwanted programs are also designed to gather information that typically includes personal details.

IP addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, keystrokes, and other data is later shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals). These people generate revenue by misusing private information. Therefore, the presence of data-tracking apps can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. Uninstall potentially unwanted programs immediately.

Threat Summary:

Name	"Please Call Apple Support" virus
Threat Type	Mac malware, Mac virus
Symptoms	Your Mac became slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you get redirected to shady websites.
Distribution methods	Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads.
Damage	Internet browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), displaying of unwanted ads, redirects to shady websites, loss of private information.
Malware Removal (Mac)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

"Please Call Apple Support" is virtually identical to Your Mac Is Infected With Popup Adware Virus, Bankworm Virus, We Have Detected A Trojan Virus, and dozens of other fake errors. All claim that the system is damaged (e.g., infected, missing files or similar), however, these errors are designed only to extort money from unsuspecting users.

Potentially unwanted programs also share many similarities. By offering "useful features", PUPs attempt to give the impression of legitimacy and trick users to install, however, their only purpose is to generate revenue for the developers.

Rather than enabling the functionality promised, PUPs cause unwanted redirects, gather sensitive data, and deliver intrusive advertisements, thereby posing a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.

How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?

Some PUPs have official download websites, however, most infiltrate systems without consent. The main reasons for this are the lack of knowledge and careless behavior of many users. Developers proliferate PUPs using a deceptive marketing method called "bundling", and the aforementioned intrusive advertisements.

"Bundling" is essentially stealth installation of PUPs together with regular software. Developers hide "bundled" applications within various sections (e.g., "Custom/Advanced" settings) of the download/installation processes.

Furthermore, many users are likely to rush these procedures and skip steps. In addition, they often click advertisements without understanding the possible consequences. In this way, they expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

The key to computer safety is caution. Therefore, pay close attention when browsing the Internet and downloading/installing software. Bear in mind that intrusive advertisements typically seem legitimate, but most lead to dubious websites, such as gambling, pornography, adult dating, and so on.

If you experience these redirects, immediately remove all dubious applications and browser plug-ins. In addition, carefully analyze each step of the download/installation processes using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings. Decline offers to download/install third party applications and opt-out of those already included.

It is also strongly recommended that you avoid using third party download/installation tools, since developers monetize them by promoting ("bundling") PUPs. Software should be downloaded from official sources only, using direct download links.

Text presented in "Please Call Apple Support" pop-up error:

WARNING!
MAC OS is infected with Viruses and other malicious applications. Viruses must be removed and system damage repaired. It is necessary to Call Apple Support 1-877-695-0922 and follow Virus removal procedure immediately, please proceed.
**If you leave this site your Mac OS will remain damages and vulnerable**

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▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac 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. Limited seven 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 "Please Call Apple Support" 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 macOS.

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 macOS) - 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.

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