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Contact Apple Engineer (Error #DT00X02) POP-UP Scam (Mac)

Also Known As: "Contact Apple Engineer (Error #DT00X02)" virus
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What is Contact Apple Engineer (Error #DT00X02)?

"Contact Apple Engineer (Error #DT00X02)" is another fake error message similar to "Call Immediately Toll-Free", "AppleCare Tech Support", "PEGASUS SPYWARE ACTIVATED", and many others. Similarly, "Contact Apple Engineer (Error #DT00X02)" is also delivered by various rogue websites.

Visitors arrive at the sites inadvertently - they are redirected by potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) or intrusive advertisements delivered by rogue websites. Research shows that many unwanted apps infiltrate systems without users' consent.

As well as causing redirects, they also deliver intrusive advertisements and record user-system information relating to browsing activity.

Contact Apple Engineer (Error #DT00X02) scam

The error message states that the system is infected and that users' personal data (logins/passwords, banking information, etc.) is at risk. Therefore, they are encouraged to immediately contact Apple engineers via a telephone number ("+1-855-893-6999") provided. These people then supposedly guide users through the malware removal process.

This is a scam and Apple certainly has nothing to do with it. Criminals generate revenue by tricking unsuspecting users into paying for 'tech support' that is not required. Therefore, the "Contact Apple Engineer (Error #DT00X02)" error should be ignored. Never call the aforementioned telephone number.

This error can be removed simply by closing the deceptive website, however, note that some rogue sites employ scripts that disable closing of browsing tabs/windows. In these cases, terminate the browser using Activity Monitor or simply reboot the system. After re-running the browser, do not restore the previous session, otherwise the malicious sites are reopened.

Potentially unwanted applications are notorious for the display of intrusive advertisements. To achieve this, developers employ tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, coupons, banners, pop-ups, and other displayed ads often conceal underlying content, thereby significantly diminishing the browsing experience.

In addition, intrusive advertisements might redirect to malicious websites, and execute scripts that download and install malware.

Therefore, clicking the can result in high-risk computer infections. Be aware that potentially unwanted applications are also likely to record information such as IP addresses, websites visited, search queries, pages viewed, keystrokes, and other details relating to web browsing activity.

Collected data typically includes personal information that developers share with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals). These people generate revenue by misusing private information.

Therefore, the presence of data-tracking apps can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. We strongly recommend that you eliminate all potentially unwanted applications immediately.

Threat Summary:
Name "Contact Apple Engineer (Error #DT00X02)" 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.
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As mentioned above, "Contact Apple Engineer (Error #DT00X02)" is similar to dozens of other fake error messages. All claim that the system is damaged (e.g., infected, missing files, and so on), however, these are merely attempts to extort money from gullible users. Potentially unwanted applications are all very similar.

By offering "useful features", they attempt to give the impression of legitimacy but are designed only to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than giving any real value for regular users, potentially unwanted applications cause unwanted redirects, gather sensitive information, and deliver intrusive ads, thereby posing a direct threat to your privacy and web browsing safety.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

Most unwanted apps are distributed using "bundling" and intrusive advertising methods. Therefore, unwanted apps often infiltrate systems without permission. "Bundling" is stealth installation of third party apps together with regular software/apps.

Developers hide "bundled" apps within "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes - they do not disclose this information properly.

Furthermore, many users skip download/installation steps and click advertisements, without understanding the possible consequences. This behavior leads to inadvertent installation of potentially unwanted applications.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

To prevent system infiltration by potentially unwanted applications, be very cautious when browsing the Internet and downloading/installing software. Carefully analyze each download/installation step using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings. Opt-out of additionally-included programs and decline offers to download/install them.

We recommend that you download apps from official sources only (using direct download links) rather than using third party downloaders/installers, since these tools are monetized by promoting ("bundling") PUAs.

Furthermore, remember that intrusive ads typically seem legitimate, since developers invest many resources into their design, but they often redirect to dubious websites (gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.) If you experience these redirects, eliminate all dubious applications and browser plug-ins.

The key to computer safety is caution. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.

Text presented in "Contact Apple Engineer (Error #DT00X02)" pop-up:

YOUR COMPUTER WAS LOCKED
Error #DT00X02
Call Apple Technical Support +1-855-893-6999 (Toll-Free):
Do Not Ignore This Important Warning
If you close this page without resolving issue, access to your computer will be disabled to prevent further damage to our network.
Your computer has alerted us that it was infected with virus and spyware. The following data is at risk:
1. Facebook Login
2. Credit Card Information
3. Email Credentials
4. Browsing History and Data
You must contact us immediately so our engineers can guide you though the recovery process by phone. Please call us within the next 5 minutes to prevent compete loss of your computer.

Appearance of "Contact Apple Engineer (Error #DT00X02)" scam (GIF):

Appearance of Contact Apple Engineer (Error #DT00X02) scam (GIF)

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:

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:

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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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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