Do not trust the VIRUS ALERT FROM Windows scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is "VIRUS ALERT FROM Windows"?
Like many other technical support scams, this one is designed by scammers who attempt to trick unsuspecting users into calling them via the provided number. In most cases, their main purpose is to trick people into paying to fix a non-existent computer problem (remove viruses).
In any case, such scams should be ignored. Note that the deceptive websites associated with these scams are often opened through dubious ads, bogus websites, or installed potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).
This technical support scam website displays a pop-up window/deceptive notification claiming that the user's computer (Windows registration key) is blocked due to some installed software being pirated, the Windows registration key is illegal, and the operating system is hacked and/or used from an undefined location and is sending viruses over the internet.
To unblock the computer and prevent possible tracking of data and financial activities, the user is encouraged to call the +1-844-900-0923 number, supposedly a Microsoft Support (helpline) number. Generally, scammers behind these websites try to sell fake technical support software or services.
The scammers commonly ask users to install software that gives them remote access to the computer. Scammers can then steal sensitive information and install malicious software (e.g., ransomware, Trojans). In any case, you are strongly advised not to trust these scams and simply ignore them.
Scam pages that prevent users from closing them can be forcibly closed through Task Manager by terminating (ending) the running browser process. As mentioned, technical support scams and other deceptive web pages are often opened by browsers with PUAs installed on them.
These apps not only promote untrusted websites, but also gather various data and display ads. Typically, they collect browsing data such as IP addresses, entered search queries, addresses of visited pages, geolocations, and other data of this kind. They might also record personal, sensitive details as well.
Furthermore, the developers can sell the information to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) or misuse it to generate revenue in other ways. Collected data is often misused to steal identities, or for other purposes. Therefore, users might become victims of identity theft, experience problems relating to browsing safety, online privacy, etc.
The apps can also display coupons, banners, surveys, coupons and other ads. These open dubious web pages and, in some cases, execute scripts designed to download and install PUAs or other unwanted software. Therefore, you should remove all PUAs from browsers and computers immediately.
| Name | Virus Alert from MS-Windows technical support scam |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud. |
| Fake Claim | This scam claims that the user's computer is blocked. |
| Tech Support Scammer Phone Number | +1-844-900-0923, +1-855-585-8598 |
| Detection Names (va10jhoni22[.]xyz) | Netcraft (Malicious), SCUMWARE.org (Malware), Forcepoint ThreatSeeker (Suspicious), 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. |
Some more examples of similar scams are "Windows Firewall Has Blocked Some Features Of This Program", "Error # 0x80092ee9" and "System Warning Alert". The scammers behind them generate revenue by offering paid fake technical support. In some cases, the criminals try to trick people into giving them remote access to computers.
By trusting these scams, users can suffer monetary loss, become victims of identity theft, have their computers infected with malware, and experience other issues. If such web pages are opened often, it is very likely that the browser has PUAs installed.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Typically, potentially unwanted applications are distributed by including them into the download/installation set-ups of other programs. This distribution method is known as "bundling". PUAs are included as 'additional offers' and are generally listed in "Custom", "Advanced" or other settings.
When users download and install their programs without checking and changing the aforementioned settings, they agree by default with offers to download and install additionally-included apps. In some cases, unwanted downloads and installations are caused through deceptive advertisements that, when clicked, execute certain scripts.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
Do not use dubious websites, Peer-to-Peer networks (torrent clients, eMule), third party downloaders, installers or other similar methods to download or install programs/files. Software and files should be downloaded only from official websites and through direct download links.
Check all "Custom", "Advanced" and other settings, and decline offers to download or install PUAs before completing the process. Do not click intrusive ads, especially if they appear on dubious web pages. These might be capable of running scripts to download and install unwanted apps.
Remove any unwanted, suspicious apps (extensions, plug-ins, add-ons) already installed on the browser immediately. The same should be applied to programs of this kind that are 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.
Appearance of the "VIRUS ALERT FROM Windows" scam page (GIF):
Text presented in "VIRUS ALERT FROM Windows" pop-up:
VIRUS ALERT FROM Windows
This computer is BLOCKED
Do not close this window and restart your computer
Your computer's registration key is Blocked.
Why we blocked your computer?
The window's registration key is illegal.
This window is using pirated software.
This window is sending virus over the internet.
This window is hacked or used from undefined location.
We block this computer for your security.
Contact Windows helpline to reactive your computer.
Windows Security Tollfree:
+1-844-900-0923
Text at the bottom of the page:
Windows Support Alert
Your System Detect Some Unusual Activity.
It might harm your computer data and track your financial activities.
Please report this activity +1-844-900-0923
Another variant of "VIRUS ALERT FROM Windows" pop-up scam:
Appearance of another variant ("Virus Alert from MS-Windows") of this pop-up scam:
Another variant of "VIRUS ALERT FROM Windows" pop-up scam:
Yet another example of "VIRUS ALERT FROM Windows" pop-up scam:
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Quick menu:
- What is Virus Alert from MS-Windows technical support scam?
- 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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