How to spot scams like DRIDEX..Malware detected - Error Code: DXRW2:#19X80XD
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of scam is "DRIDEX..Malware detected - Error Code: DXRW2:#19X80XD"?
It is a technical support scam claiming that a computer is infected. Like most scam sites displaying fake pop-ups, this one uses a scare tactic to trick unsuspecting visitors into performing certain actions. We have discovered this tech support scam while inspecting other pages that use rogue advertising networks.
"DRIDEX..Malware detected - Error Code: DXRW2:#19X80XD" technical support scam in detail
This page displays multiple pop-ups (fake alerts and warnings). It also runs a fake system scan. Messages displayed by this site claim that a computer is infected with Dridex malware (an existing information-stealing malware). They also claim that access to a computer is disabled, and data such as email passwords, financial details, pictures, documents, etc., has been compromised.
This pop-up scam urges page visitors to solve the "occurred" problem immediately. It instructs them to call the Microsoft Helpline (the +61 1300 720 905 number). Usually, scammers behind such scams aim to extract sensitive information, obtain remote access to computers, or distribute malware. In other cases, their goal is to trick users into paying for unnecessary (or fake) products or services.
| Name | DRIDEX..Malware detected - Error Code: DXRW2:#19X80XD technical support scam |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
| Fake Claim | Computer is infected with Dridex malware, sensitive data has been compromised |
| Disguise | Official Microsoft Page |
| Tech Support Scammer Phone Number | +61 1300 720 905 |
| Related Domain | operatingsystemkeyregistrationfailure[.]live |
| Detection Names | Kaspersky (Malware), Netcraft (Malware), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address | 199.188.201.119 |
| 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 in general
In most cases, websites showing fake virus alerts, system warnings, error messages, etc., are disguised as official Windows or certain antivirus software websites. They use scare tactics to trick visitors into calling the provided number, downloading software/files, or purchasing software. Websites of this type must be ignored.
More examples of similar scams are "Windows Firewall Protection - Your PC Is Infected With 5 Viruses!", "Access To This Pc Has Been Blocked For Due To Illegal Activities", and "Your Computer Is Disabled. Please Call Microsoft."
How did I open a scam website
Websites displaying deceptive pop-ups get opened via other pages that use rogue advertising networks (e.g., torrent sites, illegal movie streaming pages), shady ads, or notifications displayed by untrustworthy pages.
Also, scammers use search engine poisoning techniques to trick users into clicking links designed to open scam pages. Sometimes, installed adware or other unwanted software opens such pages.
How to avoid visiting scam pages?
Do not trust advertisements appearing on questionable websites or click notifications displayed by dubious pages. Avoid visiting torrent sites, illegal movie streaming pages, adult sites, and other pages of this kind. Use official pages to download apps and files. Never allow suspicious pages to show notifications.
If your computer is already infected with unwanted apps, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
The appearance of "DRIDEX..Malware detected - Error Code: DXRW2:#19X80XD" pop-up scam (GIF):
Text in a pop-up displayed by this page:
Windows Firewall Alert !!!
DRIDEX..Malware detected - Error Code: DXRW2:#19X80XD
Access to this PC has been disabled for security reasons.
Call Microsoft Helpline: +1 1300 720 905 (AU Tollfree)
Microsoft
Threat_Detected - DRIDEX Malware
App: keylogger.financetracer.exe[Quick Support] [Go Back Safety]
Another example of Dridex-themed pop-up scam:
Text presented within:
Windows_Firewall_Alert !
Microsoft
!!Dridex!! Malware Detected
Access To This PC Has Been Disabled For Security Reasons.
Call Microsoft Helpline: +1-855-712-2664
Threat_Detected - !!Dridex!! Malware
App: keylogger.finance.exe
[Quick Supporty] [Back To Safety]
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 DRIDEX..Malware detected - Error Code: DXRW2:#19X80XD 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?
It is a fake/deceptive virus alert, system warning, error message, or other notification designed to trick users into performing certain actions.
What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?
Pop-up scams are used for different purposes. Most of them are used to extract sensitive information (e.g., credit card details, login credentials), distribute malicious software, or remotely access computers. Scammers also use pop-up scams to trick visitors into paying for unnecessary software or services.
Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?
These pop-ups are displayed by shady pages. Those pages get opened via dubious ads, websites that use rogue advertising networks, adware (or other questionable software), or notifications shown by dubious pages.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?
Combo Cleaner will scan visited websites and warn you about the untrustworthy ones (including sites showing fake pop-ups). Additionally, this application will restrict access to such pages.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion