MacOS Security POP-UP Scam (Mac)

What is MacOS Security?

"MacOS Security" is a fake error displayed by a malicious website. Many users visit these sites inadvertently, without their consent - they are redirected by potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) or intrusive advertisements delivered by other deceptive websites.

Be aware that PUPs typically infiltrate systems without permission and cause unwanted redirects, deliver intrusive ads, and gather sensitive information.

This error imitates a system scan and states that the system is infected. The malware must be eliminated immediately. Therefore, users are encouraged to contact "certified technicians" via a telephone number ("+1-888-743-8333") provided, after which they are supposedly guided through the malware removal process.

This is a scam - your computer is probably safe and optimized. Cyber criminals generate revenue by tricking gullible users into calling and paying for 'tech support' that is not required. Therefore, ignore the "MacOS Security" error and leave the website displaying it immediately.

Some rogue sites employ scripts that prevent users from closing browsing tabs/windows. In these cases, terminate the browser using Task Manager or simply reboot the system. After re-running the system, do not restore the previous session, otherwise you risk reopening the malicious site.

Potentially unwanted programs deliver coupons, banners, pop-ups, and other similar advertisements. To achieve this, developers employ tools (e.g., "virtual layers") that enable placement of third party graphical content to be displayed on any site. Therefore, intrusive ads often conceal website content, significantly diminishing the browsing experience.

Furthermore, the ads might redirect to malicious websites and run scripts that stealthily download and install malware. Therefore, even a single accidental click can result in high-risk computer infections. PUPs gather IP addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, keystrokes, and other information that includes personal details.

This information is later shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue. Therefore, data tracking can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. We strongly recommend that you uninstall all PUPs immediately.

Threat Summary:

Name	"MacOS Security" virus
Threat Type	Mac malware, Mac virus.
Scammer Phone Number	+1-(888)-394-1468, +1-888-743-8333
Symptoms	Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious 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.

"MacOS Security" shares many similarities with a number of other fake error messages such as You Mac May Be Infected By A Virus!, Critical System Error: x679Qs5m, and Please Call Apple Support. All claim that system is damaged (e.g., infected, missing files, etc.), however, these claims are merely attempts to extort money from gullible users.

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. Rather than giving any real value for regular users, these rogue programs 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 websites, however, due to the lack of knowledge and careless behavior of many users, PUPs often infiltrate systems without permission - developers proliferate them using the aforementioned intrusive advertisements and a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" (stealth installation of PUPs with regular software).

Developers hide "bundled "apps within "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes. Furthermore, many users often rush these procedures and skip steps. In addition, they click various advertisements without understanding the possible consequences. This behavior can lead to inadvertent installation of potentially unwanted programs.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

Caution is the key to computer safety. Therefore, pay close attention when browsing the internet and downloading/installing software. Carefully analyze each window of the download/installation dialogs and opt-out of all additionally-included programs. Cancel additionally-included programs and decline offers to download/install them.

We also advise you to avoid using third party downloaders/installers, since developers monetize them by promoting ("bundling") PUPs. software should be downloaded from official sources only, using direct download links.

In addition, bear in mind that intrusive ads typically seem legitimate, but once clicked, they can redirect to dubious websites (gambling, pornography, and so on). If you encounter these ads, immediately remove all dubious applications and browser plug-ins.

If your computer is already infected with PUPs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.

Text presented in first "MacOS Security" pop-up:

MacOS Security
You device is under threat
Turn on Real - time protection?
Turn On or call +1-888-743-8333

Screenshot of second "MacOS Security" pop-up:

Text presented in second "MacOS Security" pop-up:

ACTION CENTER
Security and Maintenance
Turn on virus protection
Virus protection is turned off
MacOS Security found some Malicious Spyware/Riskware. Please call us immediately at:
+1-888-743-8333
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 is that it has been infected with Spyware and risk ware.
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 precent your computer from being disabled of from any information loss.

Appearance of "MacOS Security" scam (GIF):

Another variant of this scam message:

Text presented within:

macOS Security

Trojan Spyware Alert - Error Code: #0x898778

Access to this PC has been blocked for security reasons.

Contact Mac Support: +1-(888)-394-1468 (Toll Free)

Threat Detected - Trojan Spyware

App: Ads.financetrack(1).exe

Screenshot of the background page:

Instant automatic Mac 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 Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ 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 "MacOS Security" 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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