Avoid getting scammed by websites showing "Error # 0xx90025ee9"
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of scam is "Error # 0xx90025ee9"?
"Error # 0xx90025ee9" is a fake error message, a security warning similar to many other fake messages such as Error Code :S112276, MS-SYSINFO32, System Firewall Has Blocked Some Features, etc.
Typically, fake error messages (or others) appear on untrustworthy, deceptive web pages. In most cases, users visit these sites unintentionally - they are redirected to them by potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) or intrusive ads. Users often install PUAs inadvertently.
The apps can lead to deceptive/untrustworthy websites, deliver ads, and record data relating to users' browsing activity.
"Error # 0xx90025ee9" scam overview
The "Error # 0xx90025ee9" fake message states that there is a critical error on your Windows Operating System and the system is infected with spyware and other viruses. Scammers deploying this error message claim that your Facebook logins, credit card details, email account logins, and photos have been stolen.
To prevent further damage and fix the existing problems, you are encouraged to contact "Microsoft Support" via the telephone number (844-545-5419) provided. They also urge people not to close the security alert (Error # 0xx90025ee9) window, since this might cause even more problems.
Note that Microsoft and its support team has nothing to do with the "Error # 0xx90025ee9" pop-up or "Microsoft Warning Alert". Scammers claim to be Microsoft representatives to trick users into contacting them and paying for products and services that will supposedly fix the error (and solve other problems).
We strongly recommend that you ignore this fake message and simply close it. If the website prevents this, use Task Manager and end the browser process, or simply restart the computer. Do not restore the previously-closed session, since this will result in being redirected to the same website that caused "Error # 0xx90025ee9" in the first place.
Potentially unwanted applications responsible for these redirects also deliver intrusive ads. The ads are displayed through tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site, and thus often conceal underlying content of any visited website.
They can be very annoying and often redirect to untrustworthy/potentially malicious websites that can execute scripts that download and install malware. Many PUAs collect browsing-related data including IP addresses, keystrokes, URLs of visited websites, search queries, geo-locations, and so on.
The data might also include private information that is shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) and misused to generate revenue. Information tracking apps can cause privacy/browsing safety issues or even lead to identity theft. We recommend that you uninstall all installed PUAs immediately.
Name | "Error # 0xx90025ee9" 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. |
Most fake error, virus alert, and other messages are identical. They are used to inform people of problems with their computers or operating systems, however, these statements are false and used only to trick people into paying for products or services that they do not need. Most PUAs are designed to generate revenue for their developers.
They are promoted as 'useful' apps, but this is merely an attempt to trick people into downloading them. Few of these applications deliver the functionality promised or any other value.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Some potentially unwanted applications can be downloaded from their official websites, however, most users install them inadvertently when software developers use a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" or through intrusive advertisements. "Bundling" is stealth installation of PUAs with regular software that is typically ad-supportive or free.
Developers hide bundled apps in "Custom", "Advanced" and other options/settings of the installation processes. Information about the presence of PUAs within the installation set-ups is often not properly disclosed.
In this way, users are tricked into installing them inadvertently. In some cases, potentially unwanted applications are installed when a third party software downloaders and installers are used.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Avoid using third party software downloaders/installers and torrents. Download software using official and trustworthy sources only. Do not skip installations steps without first checking "Custom"/"Advanced" settings.
Deselect unwanted offers of additional software (in this case, potentially unwanted applications) and only then finish the installation or proceed to the next installation step. Be cautious when browsing the web - avoid clicking untrustworthy ads, especially when visiting suspicious web pages.
Malicious developers invest time and money into ad design and it can be difficult to determine if the intrusive ads are legitimate. If you are continually redirected to untrustworthy websites (gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.), check your browser and computer for unwanted software.
Look for unknown/unwanted extensions, plug-ins, and add-ons, and uninstall them immediately. The same applies to programs installed on your computer. 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 # 0xx90025ee9" website and pop-up window:
Security Warning:
** Microsoft Alert **
Error # 0xx90025ee9
Please call us immediately at: 844-545-5419
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 Pornographic Spyware and riskware. The following information is being stolen...> Facebook Logins
> Credit Card Details
> Email Account Logins
> Photos stored on this computerYou 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 prevent your computer from being disabled or from any information loss.
Toll Free: 844-545-5419
Prevent this page from creating additional dialogues.
Deceptive website displaying "Error # 0xx90025ee9" pop-up:
The appearance of "Error # 0xx90025ee9" pop-up (GIF):
Instant automatic 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 malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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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. 7 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 "Error # 0xx90025ee9" 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 intended to trick users into performing certain actions. For example, victims may be enticed/scared into calling fake support lines, allowing scammers to access computers remotely, making monetary transactions, disclosing sensitive information, downloading/installing software, purchasing products, subscribing to services, and so on.
What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?
The purpose of pop-up scams is to generate revenue at victims' expense. Profit can be made by acquiring funds through deception, promoting content (e.g., sites, software, products, services, etc.), selling/abusing private information, and distributing malware.
Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?
The most widespread promotional techniques include: websites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam (e.g., emails, SMSes, PMs/DMs, browser notifications, etc.), misspelled URLs, and adware.
I cannot exit a scam page, how do I close it?
If you cannot exit a scam webpage – end the browser's process using Task Manager. Remember to start a new browsing session when relaunching the browser, as the previous one includes the deceptive site.
I have allowed cyber criminals to remotely access my computer, what should I do?
If you have permitted cyber criminals to access your devices remotely – you must first disconnect them from the Internet. Afterward, uninstall the remote access program the criminals used (e.g., UltraViewer, TeamViewer, etc.), as they might not need your consent to reconnect. Lastly, run a full system scan with an anti-virus and eliminate 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 potentially compromised accounts and inform their official support. However, if the disclosed information was of a different personal nature (e.g., passport photos/scans, 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 for deceptive and malicious content. Additionally, it can block all further access to such webpages. Combo Cleaner is also capable of detecting and removing most of the known malware infections. Keep in mind that performing a complete system scan is essential since high-end malicious programs tend to hide deep within systems.
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