How to remove apps that open Identity Alert and similar scams

What is "Identity Alert"?

This tech-support scam tricks visitors into believing that their computers are infected with information-stealing malware and calling scammers via the number provided. Typically, these web pages are opened through other untrusted websites, dubious advertisements or by installed potentially unwanted applications (PUAs). In any case, such scam pages should never be trusted.

This scam page appears similar to an official Microsoft site and displays notifications stating that the visitor's computer is infected with some malicious software (malicious files are present) designed to steal information, which can be used to steal a person's identity.

It encourages the user not to ignore this notification (identity theft alert) and call the 0503-136-8381 number immediately. Generally, when scammers behind such tech-support scams are contacted via telephone they attempt to deceive unsuspecting visitors into purchasing software or paying for some remote services.

In some cases, they try to trick visitors into granting permission for the criminals to take control over the computer via a remote access tool (RAT). The numbers displayed on such pages should never be called. If a browser opens a website such as this, ignore the messages and close it.

If it cannot be closed in the normal way, use Task Manager and terminate the browser process.

PUAs that open dubious web pages often collect data relating to users' browsing habits as well. For example, IP addresses, entered search queries, addresses of visited pages, geolocations, and so on. In some cases, they can target sensitive, personal details.

Furthermore, PUAs can serve intrusive ads (coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups, etc.). When clicked, these can open various untrusted pages or run scripts that cause download/installation of other PUAs.

Threat Summary:

Name	"Identity Alert" virus
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud.
Fake Claim	This scam is designed to trick visitors into believing that the computer is infected with information-stealing malware.
Tech Support Scammer Phone Number	0503-136-8381
Related Domain	dnshost.online/Japan/090301/ERO[.]html
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. ▼ 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.

Examples of other scam pages are "Windows Defender Security Center", "ERROR # ER36dx9832(3)" and "HARDDISK_ROOT KIT_TROJAN_HIJACK.EXE". In most cases, they trick visitors into installing and paying for unwanted software and paying for online technical services that scammers supposedly provide.

In this way, scammers behind these pages try to extort money from unsuspecting visitors. Therefore, never trust these web pages and uninstall apps that might be responsible for opening them immediately.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

PUAs are usually installed through deceptive ads that run certain scripts, or when they are included into the set-ups of other programs. The latter distribution method is known as "bundling". Developers use it to trick people into downloading and installing potentially unwanted apps together with other software that they wish to acquire.

Generally, offers to download and install PUAs are placed in "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar parts of the set-ups, however, many people fail to check and change these settings when they download and install their programs - this allows additional PUAs to be downloaded and installed.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

Software should not be downloaded from unofficial websites, through torrent clients, eMule and other Peer-to-Peer networks, third party downloaders, etc. or installed through third party installers. Download only from official, trustworthy pages and via direct links.

You are advised to check all download/installation set-ups and decline offers to download or install PUAs. Do not open intrusive ads that are displayed on dubious websites, since they can open untrusted websites or cause download/installation of unwanted apps.

Remove any unwanted, unknown or suspicious extensions, add-ons and plug-ins installed on the browser, and programs of this kind 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 "Identity Alert" pop-up:

** Identity Alert **
Identity stealing files found
Error # 0x80092ee9

Please immediately Reach Micr...t at: 0503-136-8381
Do not avoid this breach alert.
If you close this page, your computer access will be disabled to prevent further information from being stolen from our server.

The appearance of "Identity Alert" pop-up scam (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 "Identity 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.

▼ Show Discussion