How to recognize scams like "Error Code :S112276"
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is "Error Code :S112276"?
"Error Code :S112276" is one of many fake error messages and similar to others including "Microsoft Security Tollfree", "Your Computer Is Permanently Blocked", "WARNING! 41 Threats Found!!!", etc.
Generally, this error is delivered by a deceptive site that users typically visit inadvertently - they are redirected by unwanted applications or intrusive advertisements. Note that many rogue apps infiltrate computers without consent, display intrusive advertisements, and gather information relating to browsing activity.
"Error Code :S112276" scam overview
The error message claims that suspicious activity has been detected on the system and encourages users to immediately contact Microsoft 'tech support' via a telephone number provided. These people then supposedly help victims resolve the issues. Be aware, however, that this error is fake and Microsoft is certainly not involved in this scam.
In fact, cyber criminals generate revenue by claiming to be 'certified technicians' and tricking users into paying for services that are not needed. Therefore, your computer is probably safe and virus-free. Ignore "Error Code :S112276" and never attempt to call the aforementioned telephone number. This error can be removed simply by closing the deceptive site.
Note that some websites employ scripts that disable closing of browsing tabs/windows. In these cases, terminate the browser using Task Manager or simply reboot the system, but not restore the previous session the next time browser is opened, otherwise the deceptive sites will be reopened.
Potentially unwanted applications are notorious for display of intrusive advertisements. Coupons, banners, pop-ups, and other similar ads are delivered using tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, most conceal underlying content, thereby diminishing the browsing experience.
Furthermore, some redirect to malicious websites and run scripts that download/install malware. Therefore, even a single accidental click might result in high-risk computer infections. Another important issue is information tracking. Research shows that most unwanted apps gather information relating to browsing activity.
This includes (but is not limited to) IP addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, and geo-locations. The information is likely to contain personal details that their developers share with third parties. These people generate revenue by misusing private information.
Therefore, data tracking can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. We strongly recommend that you eliminate all unwanted applications immediately.
Name | "Error Code :S112276" 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. |
Similar scams
As mentioned above, "Error Code :S112276" shares many similarities with dozens of other fake errors. All claim that the system is damaged (e.g., infected, missing files or similar), however, these claims are merely attempts to extort money from unsuspecting users. Unwanted applications also share many similarities.
By offering "useful features", they attempt to give the impression of legitimacy and trick users to install, however, their only purpose is to generate revenue for the developers. Unwanted apps cause redirects, deliver ads, and record information, thereby diminishing the browsing experience and posing a direct threat to your privacy and browsing safety.
How did unwanted applications install on my computer?
Some potentially unwanted applications have official download websites, however, due to the lack of knowledge and careless behavior of many users, unwanted applications often infiltrate systems without permission, since developers proliferate them using intrusive advertising and "bundling" methods.
"Bundling" is essentially stealth installation of third party programs with regular software/apps. Developers are not honest enough to adequately disclose installation of "bundled" programs, and thus most are hidden within various sections (usually "Custom" or "Advanced" settings) of the download/installation processes.
Furthermore, many users click various ads, rush download/installation processes, and skip steps. In doing so, they expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy. This behavior this often leads to inadvertent installation of rogue software.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
To prevent this situation, pay close attention when browsing the internet and downloading/installing software. Select "Custom/Advanced" settings and carefully analyze all steps of the download/installation processes. During these procedures, decline offers to download/install additional applications and deselect those already included.
We recommend that you avoid using third party downloaders/installers, since developers monetize then by promoting ("bundling") unwanted software. Intrusive ads may seem legitimate, since developers invest many resources into their design, but they often redirect to dubious websites, such as gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.
If you encounter them, immediately eliminate all dubious applications and browser plug-ins. The key to computer safety is caution. If your computer is already infected with rogue apps, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Text presented in "Error Code :S112276" pop-up:
Warning!
Due to Suspicious activity detected on the Computer, Critical error have been found. Error code: S112276, Do Not Turn off your Computer
Call Customer technical Support and share this code. S112276
Call Customer Technical Support: 1-844-292-5564
The appearance of "Error Code :S112276" pop-up (GIF):
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Quick menu:
- What is "Error Code :S112276" 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?
It typically includes a fake warning or deceptive message on a dubious website claiming that a device is infected or compromised, has an error, or contains other false alerts to manipulate users into taking specific actions.
What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?
Scammers typically use these scams to steal personal information, extract money, or spread malicious software.
Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?
Scam websites are commonly promoted through fraudulent emails with links or attachments, fake or hijacked social media accounts, shady advertisements, and pop-ups. Users may also come across these fraudulent sites via torrent platforms, illegal streaming services, adult websites, or dubious notifications from unreliable pages.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?
Combo Cleaner scans all the websites you visit and can identify malicious sites, including those that trigger pop-up scams. If a harmful site is detected, you'll receive an immediate warning, and access will be blocked.
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