Remove apps that open ZoneAlarm Global Virus Alert and similar scam pages
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is "ZoneAlarm Global Virus Alert"?
Like most technical support scams, this one claims that the user's personal, sensitive information is stolen and the computer is infected with malware. Its main purpose is to trick unsuspecting people into calling scammers via the provided telephone number.
Typically, scammers behind these deceptive websites seek to extort money from users by deceiving them into paying for remote "support services" software. They might also ask people to grant remote access to their computers. In any case, such scams should never be trusted.
Note that this scam mentions legitimate antivirus software called ZoneAlarm, however, neither this software, nor the internet security software company that developed it, has anything to do with this scam.
This scam website claims that it has detected an error ("# 0xC004FC03"), pornographic spyware, and a virus on the computer. It claims that data such as Facebook and email account credentials, credit card details, photos, and documents stored on the system were also stolen.
It encourages visitors not to ignore this "critical alert" and call the technical support number on +1-800-759-8992. Some users might believe that cyber criminals behind this scam will help them to remove installed malware and protect them from identity theft, data loss and other problems.
Typically, scammers seek to trick unsuspecting people into installing a remote administration tool (RAT), which allows them to take control of their computers. By having remote access, scammers might install malware (such as ransomware or a Trojan) or steal personal information.
Cyber criminals behind these scams often urge users to pay for software or services that will supposedly help them to fix the problem.
During the payment process, they might ask users to provide credit card details. In any case, you should ignore these technical support (and other) scams. Commonly, users who fall for such scams lose their money, have their computers infected with malware, become victims of identity theft, experience serious problems relating to online privacy and other issues.
| Name | "ZoneAlarm Global Virus Alert" virus |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud. |
| Fake Claim | This tech-support scam claims that the user's computer is infected with a virus and some personal data was stolen. |
| Tech Support Scammer Phone Number | +1-800-759-8992 |
| Related IP Address | 18.202.255.114 |
| 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. |
More examples of similar scams are "WARNING! 36 infections found!!!", "Windows Was Blocked Due To Questionable Activity" and "Identity Alert". Generally, scammers behind them generate revenue by deceiving users into paying for "technical support" or software, and/or providing sensitive information such as credit card details.
They try to trick users into giving permission to access computers remotely so that they can infect the systems with malware, or other software, that help the scammers to generate revenue. Note that, in most cases, users do not visit technical support scam and other dubious websites intentionally.
Commonly, they are opened via clicked dubious advertisements, other rogue web pages or by installed potentially unwanted applications (PUAs). These apps often serve advertisements and gather information, which might include private, sensitive data. Generally, people download and install PUAs inadvertently.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
In some cases PUAs are downloaded and installed when users click deceptive ads designed to execute certain scripts, however, they are mostly tricked into it when developers distribute PUAs using a deceptive marketing method called "bundling". I.e., when developers include PUAs into the download/installation set-ups of other programs.
PUAs are downloaded and installed together with regular programs when users fail to check the settings. Typically, information about these additional downloads/installations is mentioned in "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings. PUAs are downloaded and installed when these settings remain unchanged.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
Do not download programs or files from unofficial websites, through Peer-to-Peer networks (for example, torrent clients, eMule), third party downloaders, installed through third party installers, and so on. These tools and channels are used to distribute unwanted, even malicious software.
You are advised to download software from official websites and through direct links. Check all settings such as "Custom", and "Advanced" and decline offers to download or install additional, unwanted software. Do not click advertisements that are shown on dubious web pages, since these can open other dubious websites or cause unwanted downloads and installations.
Remove all suspicious, unknown and unwanted extensions, plug-ins and add-ons installed on the browser, and programs of this kind that are installed on the operating system, immediately. 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 "ZoneAlarm Global Virus Alert" pop-up:
ZoneAlarm
Global Virus Alert
Your PC may be in danger!
Virus Details:
Risk: High
Threat Name: ZeuS.Zbot.aoaq
File Type: Fatal Registry Error
Call Helpline : +1-800-759-8992ZeuS.Zbot.aoaq is a new Trojan virus that steals banking passwords and financial account data. Your ZoneAlarm Free Firewall provides basic protection, but this new threat requires additional security.
SEE THREAT DETAILS
GET PROTECTION
Appearance of "ZoneAlarm Global Virus 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:
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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 "ZoneAlarm Global Virus 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.
Outstanding!
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