How to avoid being scammed by criminals who misuse TeamViewer software
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is a TeamViewer scam?
TeamViewer is legitimate software used to connect to remote computers, provide remote support, transfer files between different computers, and so on, however, scammers use this software for malicious purposes. They often trick people into installing TeamViewer using various scam websites.
One example is a tech-support scam site claiming that the visitor's computer might be at risk. People do not generally visit websites of this kind intentionally - they are opened by potentially unwanted applications installed on browsers and operating systems.
More about this scam
In this case, scammers try to trick people into installing TeamViewer through a tech-support scam page that is disguised as an official Microsoft Support web page. Note, however, that Microsoft has nothing to do with this scam site. According to this website, the system has detected 'unusual activity' that might harm the computer and could be used to track financial activities.
Visitors are encouraged to report this problem by calling the "+(888) 756-6301" number and allow "technical support" to connect to the computer through TeamViewer. Scammers use these sites to trick people into downloading and installing computer protection software (packages) that cost in the region of $200 to $1000, or to pay for so-called 'remote support services'.
It is likely that they might also use TeamViewer (and/or a tech-support scam site) to trick people into installing other unwanted software. Note, by allowing scammers to connect to a computer remotely, users risk having their computers infected with malware such as ransomware.
In any case, do not trust these websites, and more importantly, do not allow scammers to connect to your computer through software such as TeamViewer. Scams that trick people into installing TeamViewer can be reported by clicking this link.
Scam pages are often opened by unwanted applications installed on the system. They can open dubious web pages, display ads, and gather various data. When installed, they often display ads (such as coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups, and so on). If clicked, these open untrustworthy websites or cause unwanted downloads/installations.
They also record IP addresses, entered search queries, addresses of opened pages, geolocations, and so on. People who develop these apps usually share the data with other parties who misuse it to generate revenue. Sometimes these parties include cyber criminals.
| Name | TeamViewer pop-up scam |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
| Fake Claim | According to this scam, it has detected unusual activity that can be prevented by contacting scammers |
| Tech Support Scammer Phone Number | +(888) 756-6301 |
| Distributed Software | TeamViever and possibly other, unwanted software. |
| Related Domain | nestoreritrea[.]icu |
| Detection Names (nestoreritrea[.]icu) | BitDefender (Malware), CyRadar (Malicious), Fortinet (Phishing), Kaspersky (Malware), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP address (nestoreritrea[.]icu) | 216.119.148.9 |
| 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. |
| Additional Information | TeamViewer is legitimate software that scammers use to trick people into installing unwanted software and paying for it. |
| 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. |
Similar scams in general
Most of these scams are used to trick people into installing and paying for unwanted software. Do not trust these scams and never call the telephone numbers provided (or install the software offered). Examples of similar scams are "ERROR # MS-0x8024402C", "HARDDISK_ROOT_KIT_TROJAN_HIJACK.EXE", and "Windows Antivirus - Critical Alert".
Apps that open these pages are usually advertised as regular, harmless applications, however, people who have them installed on their systems are forced to see unwanted ads and visit untrustworthy websites. Furthermore, developers use these apps to collect information relating to users' browsing habits.
How did unwanted applications install on my computer?
These apps are usually downloaded and installed via intrusive (deceptive) ads or when software developers employ a marketing method called "bundling". They use this method to trick people into downloading and installing unwanted apps with other software. They hide additional software in "Custom", "Advanced", and other similar settings/options of the set-ups.
Generally, information about additionally-included apps is not properly disclosed, however, such apps cannot be downloaded or installed without people first giving permission. Typically, they do this unintentionally when they leave settings unchecked and unchanged.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Software should be downloaded from official (trustworthy) websites. Do not use third party downloaders or installers, unofficial websites, Peer-to-Peer networks (eMule, torrent clients), or other similar channels. If a download or installation setup contains settings such as "Custom", "Advanced", check them thoroughly.
Do not use any setup without dismissing offers to download or install unwanted software. Note that ads that are displayed on untrustworthy websites (such as gambling, pornography, adult dating, and others) redirect to other untrustworthy sites (or lead to unwanted downloads/installations).
If the browser opens dubious websites or displays intrusive ads, uninstall all unwanted extensions, plug-ins, and add-ons. The same applies to unwanted programs installed on the operating system (computer). If your computer is already infected with rogue apps, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
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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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Quick menu:
- What is TeamViewer scam?
- STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove adware from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Removal of unwanted applications:
Windows 11 users:
Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.
Windows 10 users:
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
macOS (OSX) users:
Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
In the uninstall programs window, look for any suspicious/recently-installed applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove rogue extensions from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:
Click the "gear" icon 
(at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for any recently-installed suspicious browser extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the teamviewer pop-up scam, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.
Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.
In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.
Click the Reset button.
Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and remove them.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the teamviewer pop-up scam, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click on "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with teamviewer pop-up scam removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.
Optional method:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge menu icon 
(at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the teamviewer pop-up scam, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a pop-up scam?
It is a fake virus warning, error notification, system alert, or another deceptive message. Scammers use pop-up scams to trick unsuspecting users into performing certain actions (e.g., calling the provided number/contacting scammers).
What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?
Scammers use pop-up scams to distribute malware (or other unwanted software) and extract money or sensitive information (e.g., credit card details, passwords, ID card information). Sometimes, they attempt to get paid for fake or unnecessary services/products.
Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?
Deceptive pop-ups are displayed by untrustworthy websites that most users open inadvertently. Usually, such pages get opened via deceptive advertisements, other shady pages (e.g., websites that use rogue advertising networks), or by installed adware and other unwanted software.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?
Combo Cleaner can scan visited websites and detect untrustworthy ones, including websites designed to display deceptive pop-ups. Thus, Combo Cleaner will notify you about shady sites and restrict access to them.
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