How to identify scams like "ERROR #DW6BD36" pop-up scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is "ERROR #DW6BD36" scam?
This is a technical support scam website created by scammers who attempt to trick visitors into calling the provided number. Typically, scammers behind these web pages seek to extort money from unsuspecting users by tricking them into paying for unnecessary services and software.
In some cases, scammers ask users to provide remote access to their computers. Therefore, you should avoid these websites, which are not often visited intentionally by people.
"ERROR #DW6BD36" scam overview
The text displayed by this website is in Japanese, however, it might appear in other languages for different visitors.
This website displays a notification stating that the computer is infected with spyware, and that Facebook, email login credentials, credit card details, photos and documents have been stolen. Its purpose is to deceive users into believing that they can remove supposedly installed spyware and prevent further damage by calling the 050-5539-0947 number and following the instructions provided.
Once scammers behind such pages are contacted, they attempt to trick users into paying for unnecessary software and services, and even providing remote access to their computers. If scammers are provided with this access, they could steal personal information, infect computers with some malware (e.g., ransomware, Trojan-type malware) or use them for other malicious purposes.
Typically, users do not visit these technical scam websites or other bogus pages intentionally - they are promoted by various unwanted applications. When installed, these apps can open dubious pages, serve advertisements, and gather various information.
If there is any reason to believe that a rogue app is already installed on the browser and/or computer, remove it immediately. Note that apps of this type can be designed to collect sensitive, personal information.
| Name | ERROR #DW6BD36 technical support scam |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
| Fake Claim | A computer has been infected with spyware |
| Disguise | Official Microsoft page |
| Tech Support Scammer Phone Number | 050-5539-0947, +1-855-572-2636 |
| Related Domain | micosapotodefender[.]xyz, foodplaza[.]store |
| Detection Names (micosapotodefender[.]xyz) | 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. |
Similar scams
More examples of technical support scam pages include "Error Code # MS-6F0EXFE", "Killer's IP Address" and "This Computer Is Blocked". Most are disguised as legitimate Microsoft websites and contain a number that visitors must supposedly call for instructions about how to resolve the problem (remove malware, fix the error, etc.).
As mentioned, browsers often open these pages when unwanted extensions or applications are installed on them. Typically, users do not download and install these apps intentionally.
How did unwanted applications install on my computer?
Dubious apps are distributed via download/installation set-ups of other products. This deceptive marketing tactic of packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions is called "bundling". Rushing download/installation processes (e.g. ignoring terms, skipping steps and settings, etc.) increases the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.
Some rogue apps have "official" download sites. Intrusive advertisements proliferate these applications as well. Once clicked, they can execute scripts to download/install unwanted applications without users' consent.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Download software and files from official websites and via direct links. It is not safe to use torrent clients, eMule (or other Peer-to-Peer networks), third party downloaders, unofficial websites or other sources of this kind.
Avoid third party installers. Check "Advanced", "Custom" and other settings, and decline offers to download or install unwanted software. Do not click ads that are displayed on dubious websites, since they can open other untrusted websites or even cause unwanted downloads and installations.
Remove any unwanted, suspicious applications (extensions, add-ons, and plug-ins) that are installed on the browser. The same should be applied to programs of this kind that are installed on the operating system.
Regularly scan your computer with reputable antivirus or anti-spyware software and keep this software up to date.
If your computer is already infected with rogue apps, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
The appearance of ERROR #DW6BD36 scam page (GIF):
Text presented in this scam page:
ERROR #DW6BD36
無料の電話番号 050-5539-0947この重要な警告を無視しないでください.
< このページを閉じると、ネットワークへのさらなる損害を防ぐために、コンピュータへのアクセスが無効になります。
お使いのコンピュータは、ポルノスパイウェアおよびウイルスに感染していると警告しています。次の情報が盗まれています:1.フェイスブックログイン
2.クレジットカードの詳細
3.メールアカウントログイン
4.写真や書類をコンピュータに保存
当社のエキスパートエンジニアがあなたの身元を保護するために電話での削除プロセスを案内することができるように、
あなたはすぐに私達に連絡しなければなりません。コンピュータが無効になったり情報が失われたりするのを防ぐため、5分以内にお電話ください。マイクロソフトに連絡する (Toll Free)
Another example of #DW6BD36-themed scam website:
Text presented within:
Windowsファイアウォール
Pornographic_Spyware_Alert-エラーコード: #DW6BD36
アクセスはこのパソコンのブロックセキュリティ上の理由.
Windowsサポートに連絡する: 050-5806-0404
脅威が検出された-Pornographic Spyware
アプリ: Ads.financetrack(1).exe
[クイックサポート] [安全に戻る]
Another variant of "ERROR #DW6BD36" pop-up scam:
Text presented within:
Windows Security Warning: ERROR #DW6BD36
This website has been blocked by your local administrator. Contains harmful content, which is prohibited by the administration.
Immediate helpline: +1 804 596 0714(security support)
[Go to website] [Finish Notify]
Appearance of this scam variant (GIF):
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Quick menu:
- What is ERROR #DW6BD36 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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a pop-up scam?
In a pop-up scam, fake warnings, virus alerts, or other deceptive messages appear while browsing the web. Scammers behind such scams aim to trick users into taking certain actions.
What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?
Pop-up scams often employ scare tactics to coerce them into taking actions that benefit the scammers, such as disclosing personal information, downloading malicious software, providing remote acces to computers, or making payments for fake services (or products).
Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?
Pop-up scams are typically promoted through malicious or compromised websites, sites that use rogue advertising networks, deceptive links in emails or messages, misleading ads, notifications from unreliable pages, and adware (or other unwanted software).
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?
Combo Cleaner can examine every website you browse and has the ability to identify any malicious ones. This includes websites that host pop-up scams. If it encounters such sites, it will promptly alert you and restrict your access to them.
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