Prevent being scammed by websites that supposedly detect Activation Error 0xC004FC03
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of scam is "Activation Error 0xC004FC03"?
Activation Error 0xC004FC03 (or simply ERROR 0xC004FC03) is an error, which is supposedly caused by a virus. It is 'detected' by deceptive/scam websites and used to scare users into calling a fraudulent Microsoft technical support line and consequently trick them into paying for fake services.
A genuine "Activation Error 0xC004FC03" error code exists, which is displayed when the Window OS (Operating System) fails activation, however, associated warnings found on web pages are not related to the error. No site is capable of detecting issues/threats on devices, and any claims to this effect are false.
These rogue websites are usually opened by Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs) already present on the device. Note that these applications do not need explicit user permission to infiltrate systems. PUAs generate redirects to untrustworthy and malicious web pages, run intrusive advertisement campaigns, and monitor users' browsing activity.
"Activation Error 0xC004FC03" scam overview
When the deceptive web page is opened, it displays a pop-up window that asks visitors to provide their name and password. It also claims to have detected 'suspicious activity' on the device due to a virus present on the system. For further assistance, a fake Microsoft tech support number is provided.
Furthermore, users are informed that their data is in danger. The reason behind Activation Error 0xC004FC03 is allegedly a virus, which is responsible for a missing system file, thus causing Window OS (Operating System) to fail. The pop-up continues to urge visitors to call the "free" technical support number.
Users are warned not to shutdown or restart their computers, as this will risk system failure and permanent data loss. The message ends with a final prompt to call the fake support line, while reinforcing that the number (+1-833-292-1252) is toll-free. These scams are created simply to generate revenue for their designers.
They extort money from unsuspecting users. For example, any numbers listed can have high fees. Users might also be tricked into paying for bogus services and/or encouraged to purchase fake/nonfunctional or malicious software.
If these rogue web pages cannot be closed in the usual way (by closing the browser tab/window), the browser process should be terminated using Task Manager. Before the browser is reopened, it is important not to restore the previous session, as failing to do so will reopen the scam web page (or cause the original site to repeat the redirect).
In general, PUAs are all quite similar, and some are even identical. They may seem legitimate and offer "useful" features/functions to entice users to install, however, these features rarely work as advertised and, in most cases, are nonfunctional. These applications have many unwanted and harmful capabilities.
They generate redirects to sale-based, untrustworthy, compromised, deceptive/scam and even malicious websites. Some run intrusive ad campaigns (pop-ups, banners, surveys, coupons, etc.) by employing tools to enable third party graphical content to be displayed on any site.
The ads they deliver diminish the browsing experience (overlay web page content) and also carry certain risks. Others hijack browsers and promote fake search engines. PUAs often have data tracking capabilities. They record browsing activity (browsing and search engine histories) and gather users' personal information (IP addresses, geolocations and other details).
This sensitive data is then shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) seeking to misuse it for financial gain.
To summarize, unwanted apps can cause browser/system infiltration and infections, and lead to serious privacy issues, financial loss, even identity theft. To ensure device and user safety, remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins without delay.
| Name | Activation Error 0xC004FC03 pop-up scam |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud. |
| Fake Claim | Cyber criminals pose as Microsoft company employees and claim that a virus error is responsible for a missing system file, thus causing system failure. |
| Tech Support Scammer Phone Number | +1-833-292-1252, +1-888-406-0642, +1-833-735-0218, +1-855-251-2882, +1-888-407-2892 |
| Detection Names (onlinebookreading[.]site) |
Kaspersky (Malware), Netcraft (Malicious), Sophos AV (Malicious), Fortinet (Phishing), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| 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. |
Technical support scam examples
There are many deceptive sites online. They typically share common traits, such as using scare-tactics to promote 'technical support' services and/or untrusted programs.
These web pages show alerts/alarms concerning "detected" issues/threats and offer to provide tech support and/or software, supposedly able to remove the problems. ERROR # ER36dx9832(3), Norton Subscription Has Expired Today, and Windows Antivirus - Critical Alert are other examples of scams similar to Activation Error 0xC004FC03.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Some PUAs have "official" websites, from which they can often be downloaded "free". These apps also proliferate via the download/install set-ups of other programs. The deceptive marketing technique of pre-packing normal software with unwanted or malicious content is called "bundling".
Rushing download/installation processes (e.g. using pre-set options, skipping steps, etc.) endangers devices with potential system infiltration and infections. Intrusive advertisements also proliferate PUAs. Once clicked, they can execute scripts to download/install unwanted content without users' consent.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
Research products to verify their legitimacy, before downloading/installing. Use only trustworthy and verified download channels. P2P sharing networks (BitTorrent, eMule, Gnutella, etc.), unofficial and free file-hosting sites, third party downloaders and similar sources are untrustworthy and should not be used.
Treat download/Installation processes with caution. Read the terms, explore all possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and decline offers to download/install additional apps, tools, functions, etc.
Care should be exercised when browsing. Intrusive ads usually seem legitimate and harmless, however, they can redirect to dubious web pages (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating and others).
If you encounter ads/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and/or browser extensions/plug-ins. 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 "Activation Error 0xC004FC03" pop-up:
Windows Security
Microsoft Edge
The server *** is asking for your user name and password.
That server also reports: "Suspicious activity detected due to harmful virus installed in your computer. Call Microsoft Toll Free now @ +1-833-292-1252 for any assistance. Your data is at a serious risk. There is a system file missing due to a harmful virus error, causing system failure. Please contact technicians at Microsoft Toll Free Helpline at @ +1-833-292-1252. PLEASE DO NOT SHUT DOWN OR RESTART YOUR COMPUTER, DOING THAT MAY LEAD TO DATA LOSS AND FAILURE OF OPERATING SYSTEM, HENCE NON BOOTABLE SITUATION RESULTING IN COMPLETE DATA LOSS. CONTACT MICROSOFT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE ON TOLL FREE NUMBER: +1-833-292-1252".
Another variant of "Activation Error 0xC004FC03" pop-up scam:
Another variant of "Activation Error 0xC004FC03" pop-up scam:
Another variant of "Activation Error 0xC004FC03" pop-up scam:
Yet another variant of "Activation Error 0xC004FC03" pop-up scam:
Appearance of this website (GIF):
Text presented within this pop-up:
Windows Activation
Windows
Activation Error 0xC004FC03
We Can't activate Windows on this device because the product key was already used on another device. if you think it wasn't used on another device . enter below your registration key for troubleshoot
Error code: 0xC004FC03
Enter registration Key Submit
This product is licensed under the Microsoft Software License Terms to:Call Microsoft Support +1-833-735-0218
Yet another variant of "Activation Error 0xC004FC03" pop-up scam (crooks are now providing "+1-855-251-2882" phone number):
Yet another variant of "Activation Error 0xC004FC03" pop-up scam:
Yet another variant of "Activation Error 0xC004FC03" pop-up scam:
Another variant of "Activation Error 0xC004FC03" pop-up scam:
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Quick menu:
- What is ERROR 0xC004FC03 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 hosted on the Internet that aim to trick users into performing certain actions. For example, victims may be lured into calling fake helplines, sending money to scammers, allowing cyber criminals to access devices remotely, disclosing vulnerable data, purchasing products, downloading/installing software, subscribing to services, etc.
What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?
The purpose of pop-up scams is the generate revenue for scammers. Profit can be made by acquiring funds through deception, endorsing content (e.g., sites, software, products, services, etc.), selling/abusing sensitive information, and proliferating malware.
Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?
The most widespread promotional techniques include: intrusive ads, sites employing rogue advertising networks, spam (e.g., calls, emails, DMs/PMs, browser notifications, SMSes, etc.), mistyped URLs, and adware.
I cannot exit a scam page, how do I close it?
If you cannot close a deceptive webpage – end the browser's process using Task Manager. When relaunching the browser, start a new browsing session as the previous one includes the scam page.
I have allowed cyber criminals to remotely access my computer, what should I do?
If you have allowed cyber criminals to remotely access your device – firstly, disconnect it from the Internet. Afterward, remove the remote access program that the criminals used (e.g., TeamViewer, UltraViewer, etc.), as they might not need your consent to reconnect. Lastly, run a complete system scan with an anti-virus and eliminate all 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 possibly exposed 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/debit card numbers, etc.) – contact the corresponding authorities without delay.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams and the malware they proliferate?
Combo Cleaner can scan visited sites for deceptive/malicious content. It can also restrict all further access to such webpages. Combo Cleaner is capable of detecting and eliminating most of the known malware infections. It must be stressed that performing a complete system scan is paramount since high-end malicious programs tend to hide deep within systems.
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