How to spot deceptive messages like "Virus Found Apple Message"

What is "Virus Found Apple Message"?

"Virus Found Apple Message" is a fake error message similar to Virus Found, We Have Detected A Trojan Virus, Bankworm Virus, and many others. It is displayed by various rogue websites that users typically visit inadvertently - they are redirected by unwanted programs or intrusive advertisements delivered by other deceptive sites.

Many rogue apps infiltrate the system without permission. As well as causing redirects, they often deliver intrusive advertisements and gather sensitive information.

More about the "Virus Found Apple Message"

The error message states that the system is infected with a type of virus that must be eliminated immediately. To achieve this, users are encouraged to download a system optimization/anti-virus tool. In most cases, pop-ups such as "Virus Found Apple Message" promote MacKeeper and Advanced Mac Cleaner. 

After scanning the system with these fake optimization tools, users are presented with many "existing" infections/threats. Free versions are supposedly incapable of resolving the issues listed and, therefore, users are encouraged to purchase the 'full version'.

Be aware, however, that this is a scam. Firstly, errors such as "Virus Found Apple Message" are fake - they are used to trick users into downloading unwanted programs. In addition, the error lists displayed by these apps are also false. Cyber criminals generate revenue by scaring and tricking gullible users into purchasing full versions, which merely clear the false list.

Therefore, these potentially unwanted programs give no real value for regular users - they do not optimize/clean the system or protect it from infections. For these reasons, ignore errors such as "Virus Found Apple Message" and never purchase the 'full versions' of promoted apps. These fake errors can be removed simply by closing the web browser.

In some cases, however, rogue sites employ scripts that prevent users from closing browsing tabs/windows. In these cases, terminate the browser using Task Manager or reboot the system. After re-running the browser, do not restore the previous session, otherwise you will end up returning to the malicious site/s.

More about rogue apps

As mentioned above, potentially unwanted programs deliver various intrusive advertisements. To achieve this, developers employ various tools (e.g., "virtual layers") that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, intrusive advertisements often conceal underlying content, thereby significantly diminishing the browsing experience.

In addition, intrusive ads might redirect to malicious websites and execute scripts that stealthily download/install other unwanted apps or malware. Therefore, even a single accidental click can result in high-risk computer infections. Be aware that intrusive advertisements often gather information such as IP addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, and similar.

Collected data usually includes personal details. After recording this information, developers share it with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who generate revenue by misusing private details.

Therefore, the presence of information-tracking app(s) can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. All potentially unwanted programs must be uninstalled immediately.

Threat Summary:

Name	"Virus Found Apple Message" 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.

Fake messages/notifications in general

There are many fake errors such as "Virus Found Apple Message". All claim that the system is infected, missing files, or damaged in other similar ways, however, these claims are merely attempts to trick gullible users into downloading various rogue apps or calling fake 'tech support' and paying for services that are not required.

Potentially unwanted programs are all very similar. By offering "useful features", they attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, they are designed only to generate revenue for the developers and deliver no real value for regular users. PUPs pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.

How did unwanted programs install on my computer?

Some rogue apps have official download websites, however, due to the lack of knowledge and careless behavior of many users, such apps typically infiltrate systems without permission. They are typically proliferated using the "bundling" method and intrusive advertisements.

"Bundling" is essentially stealth installation of potentially unwanted programs together with regular software/apps. Developers hide "bundled" programs within "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes. Many users are likely to rush these procedures and skip steps.

In addition, they often click advertisements without understanding the possible consequences. This behavior can lead to inadvertent installation of unwanted apps - users expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

The key to safety is caution. Therefore, pay close attention when browsing the Internet and downloading/installing software. Bear in mind that intrusive advertisements typically seem legitimate. Once clicked, however, they redirect to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and other dubious websites.

If you experience these redirects, immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser plug-ins. Furthermore, select "Custom/Advanced" settings and carefully analyze each step of the download/installation processes. Opt-out of all additionally-included programs and decline offers to download/install them.

You are also advised to avoid using third party downloaders/installers, since developers monetize them by promoting PUPs (the "bundling" method). Software should be downloaded from official sources only, using direct download links.

Text presented within "Virus Found Apple Message" pop-up:

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED
We have detected a trojan virus (e.tre456_worm_osx) on your Mac. Press OK to begin the repair process.

Another fake error that promotes potentially unwanted programs:

Text presented in this pop-up:

WARNING!
The last website you visited has infected your computer with a virus.
Click OK to begin the repair process.
**If you leave this site your computer will remain damaged 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 "Virus Found Apple Message" 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a pop-up scam?

It is a fake/deceptive message (e.g., fake virus alert, error message) designed to trick users into performing certain actions. Usually, these fake messages are disguised as legitimate messages from the operating system, service provider, product developer, etc.

What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?

Scamers use them to extract personal information (e.g., credit card details, passwords), distribute unwanted (or even malicious) programs, extract money, obtain remote access to computers, etc.

Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?

These fake messages are delivered mainly by untrustworthy websites (or notifications from such pages) that most users do not visit directly/on purpose. Websites showing fake messages get opened via deceptive ads, other shady pages, installed unwanted apps, untrustworthy notifications shown by dubious sites, etc.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?

Combo Cleaner scans websites and detects untrustworthy ones. It detects pages that show fake messages (run pop-up scams) too. Thus, this app will warn you immediately and restrict access to untrustworthy pages.

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