DarkWeb Attack ALERT POP-UP Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is "DarkWeb Attack ALERT"?
"DarkWeb Attack ALERT" is a fake alert pop-up window displayed on a dubious and deceptive website. Scammers use this website (and its associated pop-up window) to trick visitors into believing that the Windows Operating System was blocked due to a "DarkWeb Attack".
Users are likely to visit this website unintentionally - they are redirected by installed potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) that most people install inadvertently. Furthermore, when installed, PUAs gather various information and feed users with intrusive advertisements.
Scammers responsible for the website that displays the "DarkWeb Attack ALERT" pop-up window attempt to give the impression that Windows was blocked due to the possibility of identity theft. They try to make website visitors believe that the operating system was blocked for their own protection and to prevent them from having their identities stolen.
According to these scammers, there is a potential danger that the user's identity, personal/sensitive data, and files stored on the hard drive, might be sold on the black market. It is stated that this might result in financial or data loss.
The main aim of this scam is to encourage people to call the "1-833-999-2699" number (supposedly the Windows support team), however, Microsoft is definitely not part of this scam. Generally, when contacted, the scammers (cyber criminals) encourage people to purchase software or use their paid services.
They claim that using their software or services will help to solve the problem - in this case to unlock the operating system and avoid having personal data stolen and sold. In fact, websites of this type should never be trusted. The best option is to ignore all claims and close them.
If this particular website (that displays the "DarkWeb Attack ALERT" pop-up window) cannot be closed/prevents you from closing it, use Task Manager and end the browser process. Do not restore the closed session the next time you open the browser.
PUAs cause redirects to dubious websites, gather data, and deliver ads. They usually collect information relating to users' browsing habits such as search queries, URLs of visited websites, geo-locations, IP addresses, etc. In some cases, these apps also record sensitive information.
Developers share the data with third parties who misuse it to generate revenue. These third parties might also be cyber criminals. PUAs also feed users with intrusive ads such as coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups, and so on. They are displayed using tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site, thus concealing visited website content.
If clicked, they often cause redirects to untrustworthy (potentially malicious) websites. It is also possible that some of these ads might run scripts designed to download/install other unwanted apps.
| Name | "DarkWeb Attack ALERT" virus |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
| Fake Claim | Pop-up claims that the system has been attacked by some "DarkWeb" Identity Theft" and that user's computer data/financial and other personal information is at risk. |
| Tech Support Scammer Phone Number | 1-833-999-2699 |
| Related URL Address(es) |
intialxr1tinitialstage[.]website |
| Detection Names (intialxr1tinitialstage[.]website) | Fortinet (Phishing), Trustwave (Malicious), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (intialxr1tinitialstage[.]website) | 192.64.117.85 |
| Symptoms | Fake error messages, fake system warnings, pop-up errors, hoax computer scan. |
| Distribution methods | Compromised websites, rogue online pop-up ads, potentially unwanted applications. |
| Damage | Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft, possible malware infections. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
There are many deceptive websites that display scams including, for example, "ERROR 0X1CXX560", "Windows Is Not Activated", and "Activate Your Windows Now". Most of these scams serve the same purpose: to extort money from people by offering purchase of software or services that will supposedly fix problems (errors, clean viruses, and so on).
All potentially unwanted apps have similar characteristics - developers promote them as useful tools, however, they simply cause problems rather than delivering any real value.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
In some cases, these PUAs are promoted using websites from which they can be downloaded, however, in most cases, they are downloaded and installed inadvertently.
This happens through clicked intrusive advertisements or when software developers use "bundling", a deceptive marketing method used to trick people into downloading and installing unwanted apps together with their chosen software. Typically, PUAs can be found hidden in "Custom", "Advanced", and other parts of the download/installation set-ups.
Information regarding the inclusion of these (bundled) apps is not properly disclosed. Despite this, most people cause these unwanted downloads/installations when they leave "Custom", "Advanced" (and other settings) unchanged.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
To avoid unintentional, unwanted installations or downloads, download software using official websites and directs links only. Do not use untrustworthy websites, Peer-to-Peer networks such as torrents, eMule, or third party downloaders. Do not rush the installation/download processes or skip steps. Check all available "Custom", "Advanced", and other similar options.
Opt-out of offers to download/install unwanted apps and only then finish the process. If you encounter unexpected redirects to dubious websites such as gambling, pornography, and so on, a PUA might be installed on the browser or computer (operating system).
Check for unwanted/suspicious add-ons, plug-ins, and extensions added to your default browser and the list of installed programs on your computer. Uninstall any suspicious or unwanted entries immediately. 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 "DarkWeb Attack ALERT" pop-up:
DarkWeb Attack ALERT
Windows was blocked due to darkweb identity theft attack
The following information may be lost:
Please stop and do not close the PC
1. Identity Theft and sold on blackmarket
2. Personal Data
3. Sensitive information (credit cards)
4. Files on the hard drive
Enter the Windows registration key to unlock or call support
1-833-999-2699 (Free)LA TOUCHE ENTR…E
Windows Support Alert Your system has detected DarkWeb Identity Theft Attack. This could damage your computer data and track your financial activities. Please report this activity to 1-833-999-2699 Ignore alert Chat now
The appearance of "DarkWeb Attack ALERT" 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:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
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 "DarkWeb Attack ALERT" 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.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion