Avoid getting scammed by sites showing "ERROR #AP7MQ79"
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of scam is "ERROR #AP7MQ79"?
"ERROR #AP7MQ79" is a fake error message similar to Windows Product Key Expired, ERROR 268d3x8938, and many others. It is displayed by various deceptive websites that users often visit inadvertently - they are redirected by potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) or intrusive ads delivered by other dubious sites.
Research shows that many PUPs infiltrate systems without permission. As well as causing redirects, they deliver intrusive ads and gather sensitive information.
"ERROR #AP7MQ79" scam overview
"ERROR #AP7MQ79" states that the system is infected and, thus, users' personal details (logins/passwords, banking information, etc.) are at risk. Users are encouraged to eliminate the malware immediately, however, before doing so, they must contact "certified technicians" via a toll-free telephone number ("8052209695") provided.
These people then supposedly guide victims through the malware removal process. This is a scam - "ERROR #AP7MQ79" is fake and your computer is probably safe and virus-free. Developers generate revenue by tricking unsuspecting users into calling and paying for 'tech support' that is not required.
Therefore, ignore the "ERROR #AP7MQ79" error and never attempt to call the aforementioned telephone number. This error can be removed simply by closing the browser. Be aware, however, that some rogue sites 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 end up opening the malicious site again.
Potentially unwanted programs deliver coupon, banner, pop-up, and other intrusive advertisements. To achieve this, developers employ various tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any visited website. Therefore, deployed ads often conceal underlying content, thereby significantly diminishing the browsing experience.
Furthermore, intrusive ads can redirect to malicious websites and execute scripts that download/install PUPs or even malware. Therefore, clicking them risks various computer infections. Another important issue is information tracking. Research shows that potentially unwanted programs are very likely to record information that includes personal details.
Collected data (IP addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, etc.) is later shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals). These people generate revenue by misusing private information. The presence of data-tracking apps might thus lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. All potentially unwanted programs must be eliminated immediately.
| Name | "ERROR #AP7MQ79" 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. |
As mentioned above, "ERROR #AP7MQ79" shares many similarities with dozens of other errors. All claim that the system is damaged (infected, missing files, etc.), however, these false claims are merely attempts to extort money from gullible users. Potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) also share many similarities.
By offering many "useful features", they attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, rather than giving any real value, PUPs cause unwanted redirects and gather sensitive information, 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/promotion websites, however, most infiltrate systems without users’ permission. Research shows that developers proliferate potentially unwanted programs using the aforementioned intrusive ads and a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" (stealth installation of PUPs together with regular apps).
Developers hide "bundled" apps within "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes. Furthermore, many users are very likely to rush these procedures and skip steps. In addition, they often click advertisements without understanding the possible consequences. This careless behavior is likely to result in inadvertent installation of PUPs.
How to avoid installation of potentially 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. Developers invest considerable time and resources into intrusive ad design, thereby making them appear legitimate.
Despite this, most lead to dubious websites such as adult dating, gambling, pornography, and so on. The ads are typically delivered by adware and, therefore, if you encounter them, remove all suspicious applications and browser plug-ins. Furthermore, carefully analyze each window of the download/installation processes and cancel third party apps.
You are advised to download your programs from official sources only (using direct download links), since third party downloaders/installers are monetized by promoting ("bundling") PUPs. If your computer is already infected with PUPs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Text presented in "ERROR #AP7MQ79" pop-up:
YOUR COMPUTER HAS BEEN BLOCKED
ERROR #AP7MQ79
Call immediately: 8052209695 (Free)
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 us that it has been infected with a virus and spyware. the following information may be lost.
1. Connect Facebook
2. Credit Card details
3. Access to the e-mail account
4. Photos stored on this computer
Contact us immediately so our engineers can guide you through the phone removal process. Please call us within 5 minutes to prevent your computer from being disabled.
Call immediately to: 8052209695
The appearance of "ERROR #AP7MQ79" pop-up (GIF):
Another variant of "ERROR #AP7MQ79" pop-up scam (crooks use a different telephone number - "+1-844-529-5965"):
Text presented within this pop-up:
Important Information
Toll Free : +1-844-529-5965*** ERROR # AP7MQ79 *** Windows was blocked due to suspicious activity
The following information may be lost:
1. Passwords
2. Browsing history
3. Sensitive information (credit cards)
4. Files on the hard diskDo not ignore this critical warning. Closing this page will disable your computer access to prevent further damage to our network
please call: +1-844-529-5965 .
Contact us immediately so that our technicians can guide you through the process of removing the phone. Please call us within 5 minutes to prevent your computer from being disabled.Telephone number: +1-844-529-5965
Another variant of "ERROR #AP7MQ79" pop-up scam:
Text presented within:
Pop-up window:
Important Information
Toll Free : 0800-015-4654*** ERROR # AP7MQ79. *** Windows was blocked due to suspicious activity
The following information may be lost:
1. Passwords
2. Browsing history
3. Sensitive information (CC Details)
4. Files on the hard diskDo not ignore this critical warning. Closing this page will disable your computer access to prevent further damage to our network
Please call: 0800-015-4654 .
Contact us immediately so that our technicians can guide you through the process of removing the phone. Please call us within 5 minutes to prevent your computer from being disabled.
*********** Telephone number: 0800-015-4654 ***********
Prevent additional dialogues.
Back to Safety
Error Logged at: Tue Jun 16 2020 10:22am
Windows Diagnostics IP Address: 129.244.0.1
Call Support 0800-015-4654
Background:
Windows Store Products Support Toll Free : 0800-015-4654Attention
0800-015-4654 (Toll Free)
Please stop and do not close the PCWindows was blocked due to suspicious activity
The following information may be lost:
1. Passwords
2. Browsing history
3. Sensitive information (CC Details)
4. Files on the hard diskDo not ignore this critical warning. Closing this page will disable your computer access to prevent further damage to our network
Please call: 0800-015-4654 .
Contact us immediately so that our technicians can guide you through the process of removing the phone. Please call us within 5 minutes to prevent your computer from being disabled.
Please call us: 0800-015-4654
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Quick menu:
- What is "ERROR #AP7MQ79" 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?
Pop-up scams are deceptive messages designed to trick users into performing specific actions. For example, victims can be lured into calling fake support lines, allowing cyber criminals to access devices remotely, making monetary transactions, providing sensitive data, purchasing products, subscribing to services, downloading/installing software, and so on.
What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?
Pop-up scams are designed to generate revenue at victims' expense. Cyber criminals profit mainly by acquiring funds through deception, promoting websites/software, disclosing private information, and distributing malware.
Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?
Pop-up scams are most commonly endorsed via websites using rogue advertising networks, spam (e.g., emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, browser notifications, social media posts, etc.), malvertising, typosquatting, and adware.
I cannot exit a scam page, how do I close it?
If you cannot close a scam page – end the browser's process using Task Manager. Keep in mind that restoring the previous browsing session when opening the browser again will reopen the scam website. Therefore, start a new browsing session to avoid this.
I have allowed cyber criminals to remotely access my computer, what should I do?
If you have allowed cyber criminals to access your computer remotely – disconnect it from the Internet. Afterward, remove the remote access software that the criminals used (e.g., TeamViewer, UltraViewer, etc.), as they might not need your consent to reconnect. Lastly, run a full system scan with an anti-virus and remove all detected threats.
I have provided my personal information when tricked by a pop-up scam, what should I do?
If you have provided your log-in credentials – change the passwords of all possibly compromised accounts and inform their official support. And if you've disclosed other private information (e.g., passport scans/photos, ID card details, credit 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 is designed to eliminate all kinds of threats. It can scan visited websites and detect deceptive and malicious pages. It can also restrict all further access to these sites. Additionally, Combo Cleaner can detect and remove most of the known malware infections. Note that running a full system scan is paramount since sophisticated malicious software typically hides deep within systems.
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