Do not trust the "Microsoft Important Alert" technical support scam

What is the "Microsoft Important Alert" scam?

"Microsoft Important Alert" is a tech support scam, promoted on various deceptive web pages. At the time of research, this scheme was promoted through the legitimate Amazon AWS (Amazon Web Services). The scam claims that users' computers have been infected with "Pornographic Spyware and riskware" and may be blocked to prevent further damage.

No website can detect/report on threats or issues present on visitors' devices, and the aforementioned scheme is no exception to this. Additionally, this scam is in no way associated with the genuine Microsoft Corporation. These types of scams abuse users' trust to generate revenue for the scammers behind them.

These deceptive sites are rarely opened intentionally - visitors typically access them via mistyped URLs, redirects caused by intrusive advertisements or by Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs). This software does not need express permission to be installed onto systems, and thus users may be unaware of its presence on their devices.

The "Microsoft Important Alert" scam urges users to call the provided telephone number immediately. This scheme states that if the alert is ignored and the page is closed, access to the visitor's device will be disabled, to prevent further damage to the network.

Supposedly, the scammers were warned by the visitor's computer that it has been infected with malware (specifically, with pornographic spyware and riskware). Additionally, the scam lists information that is stolen.

Allegedly, users' communication accounts (email and Facebook) log-in credentials (i.e. usernames and passwords), credit card details and photographs stored on their computers are in the process of being extracted. To remove the (nonexistent) infections, users are urged once again to call the number.

The "expert engineers" will aid with the removal process. As mentioned, all of the information provided by "Microsoft Important Alert" is false. Trusting technical support scams can lead to a wide variety of issues. Firstly, the fake helplines are usually not toll-free (despite often being presented as such). Scammers typically attempt to gain remote access to their victims' devices.

At best, they give bogus advice and cause no damage to the accessed computer, however, scammers often remove legitimate anti-virus software and offer fake system protection/cleaning tools, infect devices with actual malware (e.g. trojans, ransomware, etc.), extract private/sensitive content stored within the system, and so on.

One of the popular malware choices are Remote Access Trojans (RATs), which ensure stealthy (and potentially, indefinite) remote access and control over victims' computers.

Furthermore, tech support scammers ask users to provide personal information (e.g. names, addresses, emails, credit card and banking account details) by requesting the information to be typed/entered into dubious sites that record provided data.

The technical support "services" offered by scammers are never free and, despite being useless and/or harmful, tend to be excessively expensive. Furthermore, successfully scammed victims are frequently targeted repeatedly.

To summarize, believing the "Microsoft Important Alert" scheme can result in system infections, financial loss, serious privacy issues and even identity theft. It may be impossible to exit a deceptive website simply by closing it. In such cases, Windows Task Manager must be used to end the browser process.

The next time the browser is opened, it is important NOT to restore the previous browsing session, as doing so will reopen the scam site.

Due to PUAs, users might experience rogue redirects to various deceptive and malicious web pages, however, these apps can have different/additional dangerous capabilities. Adware-types deliver intrusive ads, which significantly diminish the browsing experience.

When clicked, the delivered ads redirect to dangerous sites and some can even stealthily download/install rogue software (e.g. PUAs). Browser hijackers are also PUAs, which operate by making modifications to browser settings, and restricting/denying access to them, to promote fake search engines.

The promoted search engines are seldom capable of providing search results, and so they redirect to legitimate search engines (e.g. Yahoo, Bing, Google, etc.). Most PUAs (regardless of type) monitor users' browsing activity. Data of interest includes browsing and search engine histories, IP addresses, geolocations and other personally identifiable information.

The collected data is then shared with and/or sold to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals). To ensure device integrity and user privacy, it is crucial to remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins without delay.

Threat Summary:

Name	Microsoft Important Alert tech support scam
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud.
Fake Claim	Computer is infected with malware and may be blocked to prevent further damage.
Disguise	Microsoft
Tech Support Scammer Phone Number	+1-888-257-2376
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.

"ERROR # 0x6a4-0xf9fx3999", "Activation Failed! (Error Code 001)", "Windows Error Code: DLL011150", and "Covid19 Warning Alert" are some examples of other technical support scams. The internet is rife with various schemes that use different models to lure potential victims.

Popular scam models include (but are not limited to) warnings that the device is infected or at risk, alerts that an essential software product is outdated or missing, fake prize giveaways and raffles, "unbelievable" offers and deals. Regardless of how these scams operate, the purpose is identical: to generate revenue for the scammers/cyber criminals behind them.

Therefore, you are strongly advised to exercise caution when browsing.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

PUAs are often downloaded/installed together with other products. This deceptive marketing technique of pre-packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions is called "bundling".

By rushing through download/installation (e.g. ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using "Quick/Express" settings, etc.), many users risk unintentionally allowing bundled content into their devices. Intrusive advertisements proliferate PUAs as well.

When clicked, the ads can execute scripts to download/install these applications without users' permission. Some PUAs have "official" download web pages.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

You are advised to research all software before download/installation. Use only official and verified download channels. Unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks (BitTorrent, Gnutella, eMule), and other third party downloaders commonly offer harmful and bundled content, and are therefore untrusted and should be avoided.

When downloading/installing, read the terms, study all possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out of additional apps, tools, features, and so on. Intrusive advertisements typically seem legitimate, however, they can redirect to dubious and malicious sites (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and many others).

If you encounter ads or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins 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 "Microsoft Important Alert" scam:

** Microsoft Important Alert Alert **
ERROR # 0x6a4-0xf9fx3999(3)
Please call us immediately at:
+1-888-257-2376 (Toll Free)
Do not ignore this critical alert.
If you close this page, your computer access will be disabled to prevent further damage to our network.
Your computer has alerted us that it has been infected with a Pornographic Spyware and riskware. The following information is being stolen...

 

1.Facebook Logins
2.Credit Card Details
3.Email Account Logins
4.Photos stored on this computer

 

You must contact us immediately so that our expert engineers can walk you through the removal process over the phone to protect your identity and from any identity theft or information loss.
Call Windows : +1-888-257-2376 (Toll Free)

The appearance of "Microsoft Important 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 Microsoft Important Alert tech 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.

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