Do not trust fake "Your Computer Might Be Infected By Trojans" sites

What kind of scam is "Your Computer Might Be Infected By Trojans"?

"Your Computer Might Be Infected By Trojans" is a fake error similar to "Windows Malware Detected", "Google Chrome Support Centre", "System Activation KEY Has Expired", and many others.

It is displayed by various rogue websites that users often visit inadvertently - they are redirected by intrusive advertisements (generated by other deceptive sites) or potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). In most cases, potentially unwanted programs infiltrate systems without permission.

As well as causing redirects, they deliver intrusive advertisements and gather various sensitive data.

"Your Computer Might Be Infected By Trojans" scam overview

This error message states that the system might be infected with a number of trojan-type viruses, since the system's activation key has expired. It is also stated that personal data (logins/passwords, private messages, etc.) has been stolen. Therefore, users must immediately contact 'tech support' via a toll-free telephone number ("+18663079527") provided.

"Your Computer Might Be Infected By Trojans" is a fake error and a scam. Cyber criminals attempt to scare and trick gullible users into calling and paying for tech support that is not required. Your computer is likely to be completely safe. Therefore, ignore "Your Computer Might Be Infected By Trojans" and never attempt to call the aforementioned telephone number.

This error can be removed simply by closing the web browser, however, note that some rogue sites employ scripts that prevent users from closing browsing tabs/windows. In these cases, close the browser using Task Manager or simply restart the computer. After re-running the browser, do not restore the previous session, otherwise you will re-open the malicious websites.

Potentially unwanted programs deliver coupon, banner, pop-up, and other intrusive advertisements. To achieve this, developers employ various tools (e.g., "virtual layer") that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, delivered advertisements often conceal underlying website content, thereby significantly diminishing the browsing experience.

In addition, intrusive advertisements might redirect to malicious websites and execute scripts that download and install PUPs (or even malware). Therefore, even a single accidental click can lead to various computer infections. Another important issue is information tracking. Potentially unwanted programs are notorious for recording information that includes personal details.

Website URLs visited, pages viewed, queries entered into search engines, keystrokes, Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, Internet service providers (ISPs), geographic locations, and other collected data is later shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

These people generate revenue by misusing private information. Therefore, the presence of information-tracking app(s) can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity. You are strongly advised to eliminate all potentially unwanted programs immediately.

Threat Summary:

Name	"Your Computer Might Be Infected By Trojans" virus
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Tech Support Scammer Phone Number	+18663079527
Symptoms	Fake error messages, fake system warnings, pop-up errors, hoax computer scan.
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, 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.

As mentioned above, "Your Computer Might Be Infected By Trojans" shares many similarities with 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 help developers generate revenue in dubious ways.

Potentially unwanted programs also share many similarities. By offering "useful features", PUPs attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, the only purpose of all PUPs is to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than giving any 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 consent.

Developers proliferate these programs using intrusive advertisements and a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" (stealth installation of third party applications together with regular software/apps).

Developers do not disclose PUP installations properly - they hide them within various sections (typically "Custom" or "Advanced" settings) of the download/installation processes. Furthermore, many users click various advertisements and skip download/installation steps - behavior that often leads to inadvertent installation of potentially unwanted programs.

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. Remember that developers invest a great deal of time and resources into intrusive ad design, thereby making them seem legitimate. Once clicked, however, they redirect to dubious websites (gambling, adult dating, pornography, and so on).

If you encounter these redirects, check the list of installed applications/browser plug-ins and eliminate any suspicious entries. Furthermore, select "Custom/Advanced" settings and carefully analyze each step of the download/installation processes. It is very important to opt-out of all additionally-included programs and decline offers to download/install them.

Your software should be downloaded from official sources only, using direct download links. Most third party downloaders/installers are monetized using the "bundling" method (promoting PUPs) and, therefore, these tools should never be used.

Text presented in "Your Computer Might Be Infected By Trojans" pop-up:

Your computer is locked
Your computer with the IP address might infected by the Trojans - Because System Activation KEY has expired & Your information (for example, passwords, messages, and CCs) have been stolen, Call the Help Desk number +18663079527 to protect your files and identity from further damage.
'System Activation Error Code: 0x44578' Lock Screen. To immediate rectify issue and prevent data lose Please call Toll free: +18663079527
WARNING: Hard Drive Safety Delete Starting in minutes.
Toll free: +1-8663079527

The appearance of "Your Computer Might Be Infected By Trojans" 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 "Your Computer Might Be Infected By Trojans" 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?

Essentially, pop-up scams are messages designed to deceive users into performing certain actions. To elaborate, victims may be enticed/scared into calling fake support lines, allowing cyber criminals to access devices remotely, sending money to scammers, providing sensitive information, downloading/installing software, purchasing products, subscribing to services, etc.

What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?

The purpose of pop-up scams is to generate revenue for scammers. Cyber criminals primarily profit by acquiring funds through deception, promoting content (e.g., sites, software, products, services, etc.), selling/abusing private data, and proliferating malware.

Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?

Pop-up scams are predominantly endorsed via attachments/links in spam (e.g., emails, SMSes, PMs/DMs, social media/ forum posts, etc.) and redirects generated by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, misspelled URLs, and adware.

I cannot exit a scam page, how do I close it?

If you find that you cannot close a scam page – end the browser's process using Task Manager. Do not restore the previous browsing session since that will reopen the deceptive site; start a new one when reaccessing the browser.

I have allowed cyber criminals to remotely access my computer, what should I do?

If you have allowed cyber criminals to access your device remotely – disconnect it from the Internet. Afterward, uninstall the remote access program that the scammers used (e.g., UltraViewer, TeamViewer, etc.), as they might not need your consent to reconnect. Lastly, run a full system scan with an anti-virus and eliminate all detected threats.

I have provided my personal information when tricked by a pop-up scam, what should I do?

If you have disclosed your log-in credentials – change the passwords of all potentially exposed accounts and inform their official support. And if you've provided other private information (e.g., ID card details, passport scans/photos, credit/debit card numbers, etc.) – contact the appropriate authorities without delay.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams and the malware they proliferate?

Combo Cleaner can scan visited sites and detect deceptive/malicious pages. Therefore, should you happen upon such a webpage – you will be immediately warned, and further access to it will be restricted. Furthermore, Combo Cleaner can detect and eliminate most of the known malware infections. Keep in mind that sophisticated malicious programs usually hide deep within systems – hence, performing a complete system scan is paramount.

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