Avoid getting scammed by sites showing "Critical Error IP Threat Detected"

What kind of scam is "Critical Error IP Threat Detected"?

After inspecting "Critical Error IP Threat Detected", we determined that is a technical support scam. Masquerading as "Microsoft Support", the scheme aims to lure users into calling fake technicians with warnings of nonexistent threats and issues on their devices.

It must be emphasized that this scam is in no way associated with either Windows or its developer – the Microsoft Corporation.

"Critical Error IP Threat Detected" scam overview

Webpages running the "Critical Error IP Threat Detected" scam imitate the official Microsoft site. Upon access, the visitor is presented with a bogus system scan and multiple pop-ups warning of fake threats. Throughout the scam, the visitor is encouraged to contact "Microsoft Support".

Technical support scams promote bogus helplines; however, how they progress once a victim calls the scammers – can vary greatly. The scheme can be entirely contained within the phone call(s), during which the caller is tricked into disclosing vulnerable information, making monetary transactions, visiting malicious sites, or downloading/installing malware (e.g., trojans, ransomware, cryptominers, etc.).

In many cases, tech support scammers request remote access to victims' computers. This is typically achieved through the use of legitimate software such as UltraViewer, TeamViewer, AnyDesk, or others.

Cyber criminals can cause significant damage whilst connected, and they tend to continue pretending to be "support", "expert technicians", etc., throughout the process. While the victim is kept distracted with technobabble, the scammers can disable or remove security tools, install fake anti-viruses, extract sensitive data, and even infect the device with actual malware.

The criminals can obtain information by tricking the user into disclosing it over the phone, presenting them with phishing websites/files (e.g., disguised as sign-in pages, registration forms, etc.), or by utilizing data-stealing malware. Targeted information can include: log-in credentials (e.g., emails, social networking/media, e-commerce, online banking, cryptocurrency wallets, etc.), personally identifiable details, and finance-related data (e.g., banking account details, credit card numbers, etc.).

Furthermore, the "services" of scammers tend to be exorbitantly priced. Criminals prefer difficult-to-trace methods for obtaining funds, as that diminishes chances of successful persecution and money retrieval. For example, cryptocurrencies, pre-paid vouchers, gift cards, or cash hidden in packages and shipped. What is more, successfully scammed victims are often targeted repeatedly.

To summarize, by trusting a scam like "Critical Error IP Threat Detected" – users can experience system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Should it be impossible to close a deceptive webpage – end the browser's process using Windows Task Manager. Keep in mind that restoring the previous browsing session will reopen the scam site.

If you have allowed scammers to access your device remotely – first, you must disconnect it from the Internet. Second, uninstall the remote access program that the cyber criminals used, as they may not need your consent to reconnect. Last, run a full system scan with an anti-virus and remove all detected threats.

If you have provided your log-in credentials to scammers – change the passwords of all possibly exposed accounts and inform their official support. And if you believe that your other private information has been compromised (e.g., ID card details, passport scans/photos, credit card numbers, etc.) – immediately contact the appropriate authorities.

Threat Summary:

Name	"Critical Error IP Threat Detected" tech support scam
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Disguise	Microsoft
Tech Support Scammer Phone Number	+1(833)857 0530, +1-844-627-3975, +1-844-628-4523, +1-888-387-3902, +1-844-628-4617, +1-844-628-4749
Related Domains	votkol[.]shop, rctmrn[.]work, fvpxioaz[.]xyz, clsunyqq[.]xyz, fbgilfzc[.]xyz, czvhnb[.]xyz, prcalt[.]xyz, zaupus[.]xyz, xudygb[.]xyz
Detection Names (votkol[.]shop)	Avira (Phishing), ESET (Phishing), Google Safebrowsing (Phishing), Seclookup (Malicious), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address (votkol[.]shop)	172.67.222.169
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; "Your Google Account Has Been Locked!", "Error Code: W9KA528V", "Error Code: 0x80073b01", "Subscription Renewed Successfully For 349$", "Error Code: 2V7HGTVB" are merely some examples of tech support schemes.

The Internet is full of deceptive and malicious content. Various scam models are used to gain and subsequently abuse victims' trust. Therefore, we strongly recommend exercising caution while browsing.

How did I open a scam website?

Scam sites are most commonly accessed via redirects caused by webpages using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive advertisements, and installed adware. Deceptive pages may also be promoted through spam campaigns (e.g., emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, forum posts, etc.).

How to avoid visiting scam websites?

It is essential to be careful while browsing. We advise against using websites that offer pirated software/media or other questionable services (e.g., Torrenting, illegal streaming/downloading, etc.), as these pages are typically monetized via rogue advertising networks.

We recommend paying attention to URLs or entering them with care. Caution must be extended to incoming emails and other messages.

To avoid receiving unwanted browser notifications – do not permit suspect sites to display them (i.e., do not click "Allow", "Allow Notifications", etc.). Instead, ignore or deny notification requests from such webpages (i.e., click "Block", "Block Notifications", etc.).

To prevent harmful/bundled content from infiltrating the system – download only from official/trustworthy sources and treat installations with care (e.g., read terms, use "Custom/Advanced" settings, opt out of additions, etc.).

It is paramount for device/user safety to have a dependable anti-virus installed and kept updated. Security programs must be used to perform regular system scans and to remove threats and issues. 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 "Critical Error IP Threat Detected" scam's topmost pop-up:

Critical error IP threat detected !! do not try to restart the computer.
Call support +1 (833)857 0530

The appearance of "Critical Error IP Threat Detected" 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 "Critical Error IP Threat Detected" 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?

Essentially, pop-up scams are deceptive messages intended to trick users into performing specific actions. Victims can be lured into calling fake support lines, allowing cyber criminals to access devices remotely, making monetary transactions, disclosing private information, purchasing products, subscribing to services, downloading/installing software, etc.

What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?

Pop-up scams are used to generate revenue. Cyber criminals profit primarily by obtaining funds through deception, selling or abusing private information, promoting content, and proliferating malware.

Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?

Pop-up scams are promoted on deceptive pages. They are most commonly accessed through redirects generated by websites employing 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 exit a scam page, close it by ending the browser's process using the Task Manager. However, when reassessing the browser – do not restore the previous browsing session since that will reopen the scam website.

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

If you have allowed cyber criminals to remotely access your device – disconnect it from the Internet. Afterward, remove the remote access program that the criminals used since they may not require your permission to reconnect. Lastly, perform a complete 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 disclosed your log-in credentials – change the passwords of all possibly compromised accounts and inform their official support without delay. If you've provided information of a different personal nature (e.g., ID card details, passport photos/scans, credit card numbers, etc.) – immediately contact relevant authorities.

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

Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning visited sites and detecting deceptive/malicious ones. It can also block further access to these pages. Additionally, Combo Cleaner can detect and eliminate nearly all known malware infections. Keep in mind that running a full system scan is crucial since sophisticated malicious programs typically hide deep within systems.

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