Avoid getting scammed by sites claiming a virus was detected on your device

What kind of scam is "Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device"?

While examining deceptive websites, we discovered the "Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device" technical support scam. It makes false claims regarding infections on the visitor's device and it being blocked due to illegal activity. The goal is to trick victims into calling the provided fake helpline and thus entangling them into a scam.

"Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device" scam overview

When we entered a site promoting "Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device", we were presented with a page disguised as Microsoft's official website. The scheme quickly loaded a bogus system scan that was overlaid with pop-up windows. The topmost pop-up stated that a virus was detected on the visitor's computer. Hence, access to the system was blocked due to the illegal activity.

Throughout the scam, the visitor was urged to call the "Microsoft" support line. It must be emphasized that this scheme is in no way associated with the actual Microsoft Corporation.

Typically, after a victim calls the numbers promoted by tech support scams – the scammers (under the guise of "support", "expert technicians", etc.) request permission to access the "infected" device remotely. Often legitimate software like AnyDesk, TeamViewer, UltraViewer, or others are used to establish access.

How the scam progresses following this point can vary. Under the pretense of performing malware removal or other security support services, the cyber criminals can cause a wide variety of damage. For example, disable or remove genuine security programs, install fake anti-viruses, extract sensitive data, and infect the device with actual malware (e.g., trojans, ransomware, etc.).

Information of interest usually includes personally identifiable details, account log-in credentials (e.g., emails, social networking/media, messengers, streaming, gaming, FTPs, cloud storage, e-commerce, cryptocurrency wallets, money transferring, online banking, etc.), credit card numbers, and other finance-related data.

Criminals can obtain the information by tricking victims into giving it over the phone, typing it where it supposedly cannot be seen, entering it into phishing sites or files, etc. Alternatively, the vulnerable details can be extracted through information-stealing malware.

Furthermore, the "services" of scammers carry exorbitant fees. Cyber criminals prefer difficult-to-trace methods for the money transfer, such as digital currencies, gift cards, pre-paid vouchers, or cash hidden in innocuous-looking packages and shipped. What is more, successfully scammed victims are commonly targeted repeatedly.

To summarize, by trusting a scam like "Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device" – users can experience system infections, severe privacy issues, significant financial losses, and even identity theft.

If you cannot exit a deceptive webpage – use the Windows Task Manager to end the browser's process. Note that when you open the browser again, the previous browsing session must not be restored since that will reopen the scam page.

If you have disclosed your log-in credentials to scammers – change the passwords of all possibly exposed accounts and inform their official support without delay. And if you've provided other private data (e.g., ID card details, passport photos/scans, credit card numbers, etc.) – immediately contact the appropriate authorities.

If you have allowed scammers to remotely access your device – you must first disconnect it from the Internet, as the criminals may not need your consent to access the computer again. Secondly, uninstall the remote access software that the scammers used. Lastly, perform a full system scan with an anti-virus and remove all detected threats.

Threat Summary:

Name	"Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device" tech support scam
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Fake Claim	Visitor's device is infected and blocked.
Disguise	Microsoft
Tech Support Scammer Phone Number	+1-(833)-469-0470
Related Domains	adultlogger[.]online
Detection Names (adultlogger[.]online)	CRDF (Malicious), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address (adultlogger[.]online)	104.21.59.106
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.

Technical support scam examples

We have investigated thousands of online scams; "!!Rootkit!! Malware Detected", "Threats Detected:Stuxnet", "Windows Key Code Is Not Valid And Seems Pirated", and "Critical Threat Detected: Adware App" are merely some examples of tech support schemes we have inspected recently.

The Internet is full of deceptive and malicious content. Common scam models include: tech support, virus/error alerts, cryptocurrency/prize giveaways, lotteries, and so forth. Online schemes can be basic and riddled with errors or competently made and disguised as content from legitimate entities.

How did I open a scam website?

Scam pages can be force-opened the moment a site using rogue advertising networks is accessed or when hosted content is interacted with (e.g., clicking buttons, text input fields, links, ads, etc.). Additionally, misspelling a website's URL can result in a redirect (or a redirection chain leading) to a deceptive webpage.

Spam browser notifications and intrusive ads endorse online scams as well. Adware also promotes this content through displayed ads or generated redirects.

How to avoid visiting scam websites?

We strongly recommend being vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears legitimate and harmless. We advise against using websites that offer pirated content or other questionable services (e.g., Torrenting, illegal streaming/downloading, etc.) since these sites are usually monetized via rogue advertising networks.

Furthermore, we recommend paying attention to URLs and entering them with caution. To avoid receiving deceptive browser notifications – do not permit suspicious webpages to deliver them (i.e., do not click "Allow", "Allow Notifications", etc.). Instead, ignore or deny notification delivery from such pages (i.e., select "Block", "Block Notifications", etc.).

What is more, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. It is just as important to treat installation processes with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all 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 "Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device" topmost pop-up:

Windows Defender Security Center

Virus has been detected on your device
Error Code: WinError.h 6001(0x1770)

Access to this pc has been blocked due to illegal activity
Contact Windows Support: +1-(833)-469-0470

Microsoft [Allow] [Exit]

The appearance of "Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device" pop-up scam (GIF):

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▼ 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 "Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device" 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a pop-up scam?

Pop-up scams are essentially deceptive messages intended to lure users into performing specific actions. For example, victims can be tricked into calling fake support lines, sending money, disclosing sensitive information, purchasing products, subscribing to services, downloading/installing software, and so forth.

What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?

Pop-up scams aim to generate revenue at victims' expense. Cyber criminals mainly profit by obtaining funds through deception, selling or abusing private data, promoting content, and proliferating malware.

Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?

Pop-up scams are promoted on deceptive pages, which are primarily accessed via redirects generated by websites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware.

I cannot exit a scam page, how do I close it?

If you cannot close the scam webpage, end the browser's process with the Windows Task Manager. And when you open the browser again – do not restore the previous browsing session since that will reopen the page.

I have allowed cyber criminals to remotely access my computer, what should I do?

If you have permitted cyber criminals to access your computer remotely – disconnect it from the Internet. After that, remove the remote access programs that the criminals used (e.g., AnyDesk, UltraViewer, TeamViewer, etc.). You must also perform a full system scan with an anti-virus 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 your account credentials – change the passwords of all potentially exposed accounts and inform their official support without delay. And if you've disclosed other private information (e.g., ID card details, credit card numbers, etc.) – immediately contact the corresponding authorities.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams and the malware they proliferate?

Combo Cleaner is designed to detect and eliminate threats. It can scan visited websites and detect scam/malicious ones. Furthermore, it can restrict all further access to these sites. Combo Cleaner can also scan computers and eliminate practically all known malware infections. It must be stressed that since sophisticated malicious programs typically hide deep within systems – performing a complete system scan is paramount.

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