Avoid getting scammed by websites claiming you can "Win Mac Book M2"

What kind of scam is "Win Mac Book M2"?

While investigating suspicious websites, our researchers came upon the "Win Mac Book M2" scam. It claims that the visitor can win a prize by providing their data to the sponsored site. At the time of research, this scheme promoted a phishing webpage that targets email addresses.

"Win Mac Book M2" scam overview

The scam congratulates the site's visitor and promises them a chance to win a gift. The visitor is instructed to enter their information into a sponsor's website and follow further instructions to claim their prize. The hoax giveaway warns that the offer is limited, and the page contains a countdown timer to illustrate this. The webpage also depicts a Mac Book (implying it could be a potential prize) and bogus FaceBook-style comments from previous participants.

After we pressed the "Get a gift" button, it resulted in a redirect to a different site. The promoted phishing webpage boldly announces the exclusivity of the limited availability offer. The visitor will supposedly get to test and keep a new Mac Book M2 computer.

To participate, the page requests that the user provide their email address for contact purposes. Additionally, the webpage asks permission to deliver browser notification spam.

Phishing scams steal information and abuse it for profit. Email targeting schemes tend to use said data for spam campaigns. Spam in itself is employed to endorse various scams and to proliferate malware (e.g., trojans, ransomware, cryptominers, etc.).

However, it is possible that the "Win Mac Book M2" scam will redirect to a different webpage, such as a phishing site targeting other data (e.g., log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc.) or one attempting to trick victims into making bogus payments (e.g., for shipping, transaction, subscription, etc.).

In summary, by trusting a scam like "Win Mac Book M2" – users can experience system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Win Mac Book M2" scam website
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Fake Claim	Visitor can win a prize (Mac Book M2).
Related Domains	trkprlnd[.]com
Detection Names (trkprlnd[.]com)	Combo Cleaner (Phishing), Fortinet (Phishing), G-Data (Phishing), Google Safebrowsing (Phishing), Seclookup (Malicious), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address (trkprlnd[.]com)	185.238.169.178
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.

Similar scam examples

We have investigated thousands of online scams; "Apple iPhone 14 Winner", "TESCO Loyalty Program", "Walmart Loyalty Program", and "Walmart Gift Card" are just a few examples of ones similar to "Win Mac Book M2".

Various schemes are promoted on the Web, and they are numerous. Fake and malicious content can wear a variety of disguises that can be particularly convincing. Therefore, we strongly advise being vigilant while browsing.

How did I open a scam website?

Scam sites are commonly entered via webpages that use rogue advertising networks; the former can be force-opened immediately upon access or when host content is clicked (e.g., buttons, text input fields, links, ads, etc.). Spam browser notifications and intrusive advertisements promote online scams as well.

Additionally, mistyping a website's URL can also result in a redirect (or redirection chain leading) to a deceptive page. Adware can also generate redirects to such sites or display ads that promote them.

How to avoid visiting scam websites?

We highly recommend exercising caution while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate. We advise against visiting websites offering pirated content or other questionable services (e.g., illegal streaming/downloading, Torrenting, etc.) – since they typically employ rogue advertising networks.

Furthermore, pay attention to URLs and enter them with care. To avoid receiving deceptive browser notifications – do not permit suspect sites to deliver them (i.e., do not click "Allow", "Allow Notifications", etc.). Instead, ignore or deny notification requests (i.e., select "Block", "Block Notifications", etc.).

We also advise downloading only from official/verified channels and being careful with installation processes – to prevent bundled/harmful software from infiltrating the system. 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 the "Win Mac Book M2" scam:

Congratulations!

1. Enter your information on the sponsor's website and follow the instructions to claim your prize.
IMPORTANT: Gifts can run out at any time, choose quickly!

The offer is valid Timeline 3 Minute and 51 seconds

Mac Book M2

Get a gift

Screenshot of the phishing site promoted by the "Win Mac Book M2" scam:

The appearance of "Win Mac Book M2" 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 Win Mac Book M2" scam website?
• 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 messages designed to deceive users into performing specific actions, e.g., disclosing private information, making monetary transactions, calling fake helplines, downloading/installing software, purchasing products, subscribing to services, etc.

What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?

Scams aim to generate revenue for the designers. Scammers commonly profit by obtaining funds through deception, abusing or selling information, promoting content, and distributing malware.

I have provided my personal information when tricked by a scam, what should I do?

If you have provided your log-in credentials – immediately change the passwords of all potentially compromised 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.

Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?

Pop-up scams are run on rogue websites, which are seldom accessed intentionally. Most visitors enter them via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?

Combo Cleaner is designed to detect and eliminate threats. It is capable of scanning every single website you visit and detecting the deceptive/malicious ones. Should you enter such a webpage – you will be warned immediately, and further access to it will be blocked.

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