ERROR 268D3 POP-UP Scam

What is ERROR 268D3?

"ERROR 268D3" is a fake error message delivered by various deceptive websites. Research shows that visitors usually arrive at these sites inadvertently - they are redirected by potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) or intrusive advertisements delivered by other rogue sites.

Be aware that many potentially unwanted applications infiltrate systems without users' consent. As well as causing redirects, PUAs deliver intrusive advertisements, and record private, sensitive data.

As usual, the fake error states that the system is damaged (infected, not activated, spreading viruses, and so on). Users are encouraged to immediately resolve these issues by contacting tech support (via a telephone number ["+1-855-913-7111"] provided) and following given instructions.

Be aware, however, that is merely a scam - your computer is safe and virus free. Cyber criminals simply generate revenue by tricking users into calling and paying for tech support that is not required. Therefore, "ERROR 268D3" message should be ignored.

This error can be removed simply by closing the web browser. Bear in mind, however, that some rogue sites employ scripts that prevent users from closing browsing tabs/windows. In such cases, terminate the browser using Task Manager. After re-running the browser, do not restore the previous session, otherwise you will end up revisiting the malicious site.

As mentioned above, potentially unwanted applications deliver various types of intrusive advertisements. These ads are delivered using tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, the ads often conceal underlying website content, thereby significantly diminishing the browsing experience.

Furthermore, these ads might lead to malicious websites and/or execute scripts that download and install potentially unwanted applications/malware. Therefore, even a single accidental click could result in high-risk computer infection. Another important issue is data tracking.

Potentially unwanted applications record various data relating to web browsing habits. IP addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, and other recorded information typically includes personal details. Furthermore, developers share these details with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

These people generate revenue by misusing received information, and thus information tracking can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. All potentially unwanted applications should be eliminated immediately.

Threat Summary:

Name	"ERROR 268D3" virus
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud.
Symptoms	Unauthorized online purchases, changed online account passwords, identity theft, illegal access of the user'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. ▼ 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.

"ERROR 268D3" is very similar to Windows Support Alert, Found 4 Virus, Windows Operating System Alert, and many other fake errors. All claim that the system is damaged (infected, missing files or similar), however, these claims are merely attempts to trick gullible users into purchasing unnecessary software or paying for services that are not required.

Potentially unwanted applications are all very similar. By offering many "useful features", they attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, since their only purpose is to generate revenue for the developers, PUAs simply cause unwanted redirects and gather sensitive information, thereby posing a direct threat to your privacy and web browsing safety.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

PUAs are often downloaded/installed together with other products. This deceptive marketing technique of pre-packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions is called "bundling".

By rushing through download/installation of software (e.g. ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using "Quick/Express" settings, etc.) many users risk unintentionally allowing bundled content into their devices. Intrusive advertisements proliferate PUAs as well.

When clicked, the ads can execute scripts to download/install these applications without users' permission. Some PUAs have "official" download web pages from which they can be downloaded.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

Download software and files from official websites and via direct links. It is not safe to use torrent clients, eMule (or other Peer-to-Peer networks), third party downloaders, unofficial websites or other sources of this kind. Avoid third party installers. Check "Advanced", "Custom" and other settings, and decline offers to download or install unwanted software.

Do not click ads that are displayed on dubious websites, since they can open other untrusted websites or even cause unwanted downloads and installations. Remove any unwanted, suspicious applications (extensions, add-ons, and plug-ins) that are installed on the browser.

The same should be applied to programs of this kind that are installed on the operating system. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

Text presented in "ERROR 268D3" pop-up:

VIRUS ALERT FROM MICROSOFT
This computer is BLOCKED | ERROR 268D3
Do not close this window and restart your computer
Your computer's registration key is Blocked.
Why we blocked your computer?
The window's registration key is illegal.
This window is using pirated software.
This window is sending virus over the Internet.
This window is hacked or used from undefined location.
We block this computer for your security.
Contact microsoft helpline to reactivate your computer.
Microsoft Security Tellfree: +1-855-913-7111
Enter Windows registration key to unblock.

The appearance of "ERROR 268D3" pop-up (GIF):

Another variant of "ERROR 268D3" pop-up scam:

Text presented within:

Windows Firewall Protection

Microsoft

Trojan Spyware Alert - Error Code: #0x268d3
Access to this PC has been blocked for security reasons.
Contact Windows Support: +1-844-292-4957

Trojan Detected - Trojan Spyware

Apps: Ads.financetrack(1).exe

Run Anyway
Back to Safety

Another example of "Error Code: #0x268d3" pop-up scam:

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Quick menu:

• What is "ERROR 268D3" 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.

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