Windows Defender Alert (0x3e7) POP-UP Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is "Windows Defender Alert (0x3e7)"?
The "Windows Defender Alert (0x3e7)" pop-up window appears when visiting a deceptive website. This is a fake error alert.
These notifications appear only on untrustworthy, potentially malicious websites that people end up visiting unintentionally - they are redirected to them by potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) that they have installed on their browsers or operating systems. Installation of these PUAs often occurs accidentally or unintentionally.
When installed, these apps cause redirects to dubious websites, deliver ads, and gather information.
According to the notification displayed in the "Windows Defender Alert (0x3e7)" pop-up window, Windows Defender has detected an error. It is stated that a Zepto virus was detected in the operating system registry. Scammers behind this fake error/virus alert claim that it has infected the system recently when a user visited a dubious website.
People are urged not to shut down or restart their computers, since this might lock the computer permanently or result in permanent data loss. It is also stated that the computer's connection to the internet is already blocked, and to unblock it, users are required to contact "Technical Support" via the "+46 10 884 48 35" telephone number.
Website visitors are urged to do this immediately. A Windows logo appears on this website - placed by scammers in an attempt to trick people into believing that Microsoft is involved. In fact, this is a deceptive website that scammers (cyber criminals) use to extort money from people.
When contacted, the criminals offer purchase of various software or services. Generally, they claim that their services or products will solve the problem (in this case, an 0x3e7 error). Since this is just a scam, none of the statements (notifications and alerts) are accurate.
These websites and associated pop-up windows should never be trusted. Close these sites immediately. If they cannot be closed in the normal way (by closing opened the browser window or tab), use Windows Task Manager by ending the browser process.
Do not restore/open the previously closed (terminated) browsing session, since this will return you to the deceptive website.
Potentially unwanted apps are responsible for these redirects in most cases. They also feed users with various intrusive ads (coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups, and so on), which are displayed using tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site.
Therefore, they conceal underlying content of visited websites. Furthermore, when clicked, they trigger redirects to untrustworthy websites or run scripts designed to download/install other PUAs. Most unwanted apps collect data that developers share with third parties.
They usually collect IP addresses, search queries, URLs of visited websites, geo-locations, etc. Unfortunately, they also gather personal and sensitive details (and share them). Some of the third parties might be cyber criminals. Therefore, having these apps installed can lead to various problems relating to browsing safety, privacy, and so on.
In some cases, their use might cause identity theft.
| Name | "Zepto virus detected" scam |
| 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. |
There are various deceptive websites used to promote different fake notifications/alerts and other deceptive pop-up windows. Some examples of other scams of this type are "ERROR 0X1CXX560", "Activate Your Windows Now", and "Error Code XLMR01F7985".
Generally, scammers use these websites to trick people into purchasing unnecessary software or using paid services that are not required. PUAs also have many similarities. They are promoted as useful and legitimate but usually cause unwanted redirects, gather data, and deliver ads rather than providing any real value.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
PUAs can be downloaded and installed from their websites, however, most people are tricked into downloading and installing them. This happens when software developers use the "bundling" method or when users click dubious, intrusive advertisements.
Bundling is essentially stealth installation of third party apps with regular software. Information regarding these apps is usually hidden in "Advanced", "Custom" or other similar options (or settings) of download/installation set-ups. Therefore, inadvertent installations or downloads usually occur when people do not check settings and leave them unchanged.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Check all available checkboxes, "Custom", "Advanced", and other settings/options of software download or installation processes. Additionally, avoid using torrents, eMule (and other Peer-to-Peer networks), unofficial websites and third party software downloaders as sources for downloading software.
Avoid clicking ads that look suspicious, since these may cause redirects to untrustworthy websites (gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.). These websites promote PUAs. If you experience unwanted redirects (even without clicking ads) or intrusive ads, check the list of installed apps on your browser.
If there are any suspicious or unwanted extensions, plug-ins, or add-ons, remove them immediately. The same applies to programs of this type 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 "Windows Defender Alert (0x3e7)" pop-up:
Windows Defender Alert : Error Code # 0x3e7
Please Do Not Shut Down Or Reset Your Computer .
**Windows Warning Alert **
Zepto Virus Detected In Your System Registry .
Dear Windows User, The Website you have recently visited may have downloaded the Malware and Virus on your Windows system. Windows Defender is Suspicious about your Windows System Security.Please do not try to shut down or restart your computer.It may lock your computer permanantly or erase your hard disk . Your TCP Connection Was Blocked by Your Windows Security System. Your Windows and internet connection has been locked untill we may hear from you to immediately fix this issue.
Call Technical Support
Immediately at +46 10 884 48 35
The appearance of "Windows Defender Alert (0x3e7)" pop-up (GIF):
Another variant of "Windows Defender Alert (0x3e7)" pop-up scam:
Text presented within:
Windows Defender Alert : Error Code # 0x3e7
Please Do Not Shut Down Or Reset Your Computer .
**Windows Warning Alert **Zepto Virus Detected In Your System Registry .
Dear Windows User, The Website you have recently visited may have downloaded the Malware and Virus on your Windows system. windows Defender is Suspicious about your Windows System Security.Please do not try to shut down or restart your computer.It may lock your computer permanantly or erase your hard disk . Your TCP Connection Was Blocked by Your Windows Security System. Your Windows and internet connection has been locked untill we may hear from you to immediately fix this issue.
Call Technical Support
Immediately at +32 782 51 168Microsoft Windows
Defender
System Informations IP : 104.238.38.34
Browser : Firefox
Operating System : Windows 10
User Authentication Required : Call Microsoft Technical Support Now
+32 782 51 168
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 "Zepto virus detected" scam?
- 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