How to identify scams like "Error Code 09-986-6321"

What is "Error Code 09-986-6321"?

"Error Code 09-986-6321" is a fake error alert (notification) that pops up only on deceptive, dubious websites. Typically, scammers use websites of this type to extort money from innocent people. They attempt to make users believe that there is a problem (in this case, an error) that must be fixed immediately. They encourage them to make contact to address the issue.

This is merely a scam and should be ignored. People do not generally visit websites that display fake errors or virus alerts intentionally - they are redirected to them by unwanted apps installed on their browsers or operating systems. Most of these apps feed users with intrusive, unwanted advertisements and collect information relating to browsing activity.

More about the "Error Code 09-986-6321" scam

The "Error Code 09-986-6321" scam (website) runs a JavaScript file that forces the browser to use 100% CPU resources and makes it unresponsive. This supposedly makes is easier for scammers to trick people into believing that there is an issue with their computers/operating systems.

A pop-up window displayed on this deceptive page may seem to be an official notification from Microsoft (or the Windows Operating System). It states that a computer and network connection was blocked, since Windows Firewall has detected suspicious activities relating to the user's IP address.

It urges people not to restart their computers, since this might cause serious damage to the system and data stored on it. Additionally, it states that a third party was attempting to access the user's logins, banking details and might be tracking web browsing activities.

To protect their personal details and to fix these problems, people are encouraged to immediately contact "Microsoft Certified Technical Support Help Desk" via the 1-877-220-8359 number. These claims are false and should not be taken seriously. The best option is to close the browser.

Alternatively, end the process using Task Manager if it cannot be closed (due to the JavaScript that this deceptive website runs). To avoid visiting this site again, do not restore the previously closed session when the browser is next opened.

Unwanted applications that open websites of this type also deliver intrusive ads such as coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups, and so on. They display the ads through tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, they conceal underlying content of visited websites.

Clicking them often leads to dubious web pages or having unwanted apps downloaded and installed. Rogue apps also perform information tracking. They collect information such as IP addresses, entered search queries, URLs of visited websites, geo-locations, and so on.

Unfortunately, some of these apps target personal details. Their developers share the data with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue. To avoid privacy, browsing safety issues, or other problems, uninstall all unwanted apps immediately.

Threat Summary:

Name	"Error Code 09-986-6321" virus
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Fake Claim	Windows firewall has detected some suspicious activities, an error has occured, a virus has been detected
Disguise	Legitimate warning from Microsoft regarding an error and other issues
Tech Support Scammer Phone Number	1-877-220-8359
Symptoms	Fake error messages, fake system warnings, pop-up errors, hoax computer scan.
Distribution methods	Compromised websites, rogue online pop-up ads, 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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner 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.

Similar scams

Some examples of other scams similar to "Error Code 09-986-6321" are "Error XR01F5", "Windows Defender Alert (0x3e7)", and "Virus Support Alert". Typically, scammers use them to trick people into purchasing products or services that, according to them, will remove viruses, fix errors and solve other problems.

Most of the apps promoting scams are very similar and share the same purpose: to generate revenue for their developers by collecting information, causing redirects to dubious pages, and feeding users with intrusive advertisements.

How did unwanted applications install on my computer?

People often install unwanted apps inadvertently through intrusive advertisements or when software developers use a deceptive marketing method called "bundling". Bundling is placement of unwanted apps in installation or download set-ups of other software. Developers hide them in "Advanced", "Custom" and other options, and they do not disclose information about their inclusion.

Despite this, most shady apps are installed when people download and install software without checking additional options/settings (they leave them unchanged) or click ads that should not be trusted.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Avoid downloading software from untrustworthy, unofficial sources, using torrent clients (and other Peer-to-Peer networks), third party downloaders and so on. Use direct links and official websites. Do not download or installation without checking "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings.

Opt-out of additionally-included (bundled) apps, and only then proceed to the next step or finish downloading or installing software. Intrusive ads often redirect users to untrustworthy (potentially malicious) websites relating to gambling, pornography, adult dating, and so on. These ads should not be clicked.

If you encounter these advertisements or unwanted redirects, check installed browser apps (extensions, add-ons, plug-ins) and remove any unknown, unwanted entries immediately. Unwanted programs installed on the operating system should also be uninstalled.

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 09-986-6321" pop-up:

COMPUTER BLOCKED MICROSOFT
Windows firewall has detected some suspicious activities on your IP address, and your network connection has been blocked temporarily to protect other users. To get it fixed, you need to call the Microsoft Certified Technical Support Help Desk at 1-877-220-8359 (Toll-Free Number) Do Not Restart Your Device. Doing So May Cause Serious Damage To Your Computer and Your Valuable Data.
Error Code: 09-986-6321
A suspicious connection was trying to access your logins, Banking details & Tracking your Internet activities.
Your personal information may be at risk.
IMMEDIATE RESPONSE REQUIRED.
Call Us Right Now To Prevent Further Damage To Your Computer And Network.

The appearance of "Error Code 09-986-6321" pop-up (GIF):

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▼ 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 "Error Code 09-986-6321" 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?

A pop-up scam is an online scheme where malicious actors use pop-up windows on websites to deceive users into taking harmful actions. These pop-ups often appear as alerts, warnings, or enticing offers and are designed to trick users into taking certain actions.

What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?

Scammers behind these scams aim to trick users into providing remote access to their computers, downloading malware, paying for fake or unnecessary products or services, or providing sensitive information.

Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?

Users often land on sites hosting scams via misleading ads, deceptive notifications from shady websites, ads displayed by adware, links in fraudulent emails, and websites associated with rogue advertising networks (e.g., torrent sites).

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?

Combo Cleaner is designed to scan every website, effectively detecting malicious pages and other unreliable sites. This includes sites intended to deliver pop-up scams. When such sites are detected, users receive an immediate warning, and access to these sites is restricted.

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