Do not trust sites claiming "Ads.financetrack(1).exe" was found on your device
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of scam is "Ads.financetrack(1).exe"?
While inspecting deceptive websites, our research team discovered the "Ads.financetrack(1).exe" technical support scam. It is pertinent to mention that many different types of tech scams use this fake error/malware name.
Schemes of this kind make false claims regarding system infections in order to trick victims into calling fake helplines. Typically, these scams then progress to scammers requesting remote access to users' devices.
"Ads.financetrack(1).exe" scam overview
As previously mentioned, the "Ads.financetrack(1).exe" fake error/ virus title is commonly used by technical support scams. For example, it is included in "Windows Firewall Protection Alert", "Pornography Warning Error", "Firewall Error: #ST43400X", "Pornographic Spyware Alert", "Microsoft Windows Virus Alert", and many others.
These types of schemes typically consist of multiple pop-ups, some of which can imitate system scans. This content is often disguised as in some manner relating to Windows/Microsoft or various legitimate anti-viruses.
Tech support scams falsely claim that users' devices are infected, hacked, or otherwise at risk. They instruct victims to call provided telephone numbers to contact "support", "expect technicians", "Microsoft-certified technicians", or other professionals to remove the threats or unblock the device.
The scammers usually ask to remotely access users' devices (e.g., using TeamViewer, UltraViewer, AnyDesk, etc.). While acting out bogus technical services, the cyber criminals can cause a wide variety of damage. To elaborate, scammers may disable/uninstall genuine security software, install fake anti-virus tools, steal content/data, and infect the system with actual malware (e.g., trojans, ransomware, cryptominers, etc.).
Information of interest may include personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords (e.g., emails, social networking, online banking, e-commerce, digital wallets, etc.), credit card numbers, and so forth. Cyber criminals can obtain data by tricking victims into disclosing it over the phone, entering it where it is supposedly invisible to others, or typing it into phishing sites/files. Alternatively, data-stealing malware can be used for this purpose.
The "services" of tech support scammers are typically exorbitantly priced. Difficult-to-trace payment methods are usually used (e.g., cryptocurrencies, pre-paid vouchers, gift cards, cash hidden in packages and shipped, etc.) to avoid persecution and prevent victims from recovering their funds. It is noteworthy that successfully scammed victims are often targeted repeatedly.
To summarize, victims of scams like "Ads.financetrack(1).exe" can experience system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
Should you find it impossible to close a scam page, end the browser's process using the Windows Task Manager. Keep in mind that the previous browsing sessions must not be restored when reaccessing the browser, as that would reopen the deceptive website.
If you have already allowed cyber criminals to access your device remotely – you must first disconnect it from the Internet. Afterward, remove the remote access software that was used, as your consent may be unnecessary for the criminals to reconnect. Lastly, perform a full system scan with an anti-virus and eliminate all detected threats.
If you believe that your log-in credentials have been exposed – change the passwords of all potentially compromised accounts and inform their official support without delay. And if you suspect that your other private information is at risk (e.g., ID card details, credit card numbers, etc.) – immediately contact the appropriate authorities.
Name | ads.finance track(1).exe pop-up scam |
Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
Fake Claim | Device has been blocked for security reasons. |
Disguise | Microsoft/Windows |
Tech Support Scammer Phone Number | +1-888-925-7137, +1-877-906-3071, +1-855-446-3657, +1-208-379-7705, +1-888-843-3501, +1-888-767-2396, +1-844-439-4994, +1-877-882-0062, +1-833-714-4099, +1-833-714-4095, +1-877-491-8870, +1-877-906-0458, +1-877-492-0480, +1-877-906-9295, +1-888-734-0339, +1-888-721-9243, +1-888-596-3079, +1-844-412-2529, +1-888-682-6808, +1-844-437-7846, +1-833-846-3681, +1-855-524-5540, +1-866-884-3535, +1-888-734-1256, +1-888-795-2563, +1-888-734-1239, +1-866-881-3537, +1-855-740-0750, +1-877-637-7685, +1-888-486-7218, +18889269410, +1-833-456-0455, +1-866-966-8977, +1-877-311-0603, +1-866-823-3495, +1-833-203-3639, +1 (833) 456-0476, +1-888-665-7092, 1(888)665-8106, +1833-456-0412, +1-888-689-7141, 855-399-1004, +1-833-590-8176, +1-877-628-2276, +1-888-486-8442, +1-833-234-0297, +1-866-574-5435, +1-844-487-0273, +1-855-712-2669, +1-877-421-3225, +1-877-339-0549, +1-888-653-4681, +1-833-711-4079, +1-888-325-3062, +1-844-293-1010, +1-844-476-5780, +1-855-678-7609 |
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. |
Technical support scam examples
We have inspected countless online scams; "Suspicious Login Attempt On Your Windows Computer", "Your Windows OS Is Damaged", and "1978 Act Of Protection Of Children" are just a few examples of technical support scams that we have found recently.
The Internet is rife with deceptive and malicious content. Various scam models are used to gain and subsequently abuse victims' trust.
Due to how widespread and well-made online scams can be – we highly recommend exercising caution when browsing.
How did I open a scam website?
Scam websites are primarily promoted via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, and adware. To elaborate, when a page monetized through rogue advertising networks is accessed – it may force-open another site or cause a redirect elsewhere when hosted content is interacted with (e.g., clicking buttons, text input fields, ads, etc.).
Additionally, an incorrectly entered website URL can result in a redirect to (or a redirection chain ending with) a deceptive webpage. Spam notifications and intrusive advertisements are commonly used to promote scams.
Furthermore, adware installed onto the browser/system can display scam-promoting ads or force-open websites running this content.
How to avoid visiting scam websites?
It is essential to be vigilant when browsing since deceptive and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. We advise against using sites that offer pirated software/media or other questionable services (e.g., Torrenting, illegal streaming or downloading, etc.), as these websites typically use rogue advertising networks.
We recommend paying attention to URLs and entering them with care. And to avoid receiving deceptive/unwanted browser notifications – do not permit suspicious sites to deliver them (i.e., do not click "Allow", "Allow Notifications", etc.). Instead, deny notification delivery requests (i.e., press "Block", "Block Notifications", etc.) or ignore them altogether.
We also advise downloading only from official and verified channels. Additionally, to prevent bundled software from infiltrating the system – approach installation with care by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" setting, and opting out of supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
If your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate all threats.
Text presented in this "Ads.financetrack(1).exe" scam pop-up:
Windows Security
Windows Defender Protection Alert
Windows Defender Firewall has blocked some features of ads.finance track(1).exe on all public and private networks.
ads.finance track(1).exe
Publisher: Unknown Error Code: #0x60D9
Windows has blocked access to your device for security reasons. Contact Microsoft Support:
+1-855-712-2669 (Security Tollfree)
The appearance of an "Ads.financetrack(1).exe" pop-up scam (GIF):
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is ads.finance track(1).exe pop-up 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?
Pop-up scams are deceptive messages intended to trick users into performing specific actions, e.g., calling fake support lines, allowing cyber criminals to access devices remotely, making monetary transactions, disclosing private data, downloading/installing software, purchasing software, etc.
What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?
Pop-up scams are used to generate revenue. Cyber criminals mainly profit by obtaining funds through deception, abusing or selling sensitive information, promoting content, and proliferating malware.
Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?
Pop-up scams are run on rogue webpages. Most users access such sites via redirects caused by pages that use rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware.
I cannot exit a scam page, how do I close it?
If you cannot close a scam webpage, end the browser's process using Windows Task Manager. However, do not restore the previous browsing session when opening the browser since that will reopen the deceptive page.
I have allowed cyber criminals to remotely access my computer, what should I do?
If you have permitted cyber criminals to access your device remotely, you must first disconnect it from the Internet. Secondly, remove the remote access software that the scammers used (e.g., AnyDesk, TeamViewer, UltraViewer, etc.). Lastly, run a full system scan with an anti-virus program and remove all detected threats.
I have provided my personal information when tricked by a pop-up scam, what should I do?
If you have provided account credentials – immediately change the passwords of all possibly exposed accounts and inform their official support. And if you've disclosed other private data (e.g., ID card details, credit card numbers, etc.) – contact the appropriate authorities without delay.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams and the malware they proliferate?
Combo Cleaner can scan visited websites and detect deceptive and malicious ones. It can also restrict all further access to such pages. Additionally, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate most of the known malware infections. Keep in mind that since high-end malicious software usually hides deep within systems – performing a complete system scan is crucial.
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