How to spot scams like "Our Security Scans Have Detected Potential Vulnerabilities"

What is "Our Security Scans Have Detected Potential Vulnerabilities"?

After closely examining this fraudulent scheme, our assessment indicates that it adheres to the structure of a technical support scam crafted to mislead unsuspecting visitors into performing certain actions. Such scams are commonly orchestrated to extract funds or information or to disseminate malware.

"Our Security Scans Have Detected Potential Vulnerabilities" in detail

The message on this scam page attempts to create a sense of urgency and alarm by claiming that security scans have identified potential vulnerabilities on the user's computer. In order to address this supposed threat, the user is urged to perform an immediate full system scan. The message further suggests seeking expert assistance by contacting Microsoft Support promptly.

A toll-free number (+1 386-243-7879) is provided, ostensibly for users to connect with a technician who will purportedly offer the best support. This type of message is a classic example of a technical support scam designed to deceive individuals into taking immediate action.

Threats posed by technical support scams

When unsuspecting individuals call a fake tech support number provided by scammers, they often encounter a well-orchestrated deception. he scammers, posing as legitimate technical support agents, employ various tactics to instill a sense of urgency and panic in the caller.

The scammers often attempt to gain remote access to the victim's computer under the guise of fixing the purported issues. In reality, this access allows the scammers to install malicious software, steal sensitive information, or even demand payment for unnecessary services.

Additionally, they might request credit card information (or other personal details) or persuade the victim to make a payment to resolve the fictitious problems. A couple examples of scam campaigns used to trick users into providing access to their computers using remote administration tools are UltraViewer scam and TeamViewer scam.

Threat Summary:

Name	Our Security Scans Have Detected Potential Vulnerabilities technical support scam
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Fake Claim	A computer may have be vulnerable, access to a computer is blocked
Disguise	Warning from Microsoft
Tech Support Scammer Phone Number	+1 386-243-7879
Related Domain	tastyhealthyfoods[.]online
Detection Names	N/A (VirusTotal)
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.
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Online scams in general

Tech support scams share a common modus operandi characterized by deception and manipulation. They typically initiate contact through alarming pop-up messages claiming that the user's computer has security issues or malware infections. The scammers create a sense of urgency, urging immediate action to resolve the purported problems.

More examples of similar scams are "Windows EROOR CODE 0X02333", "Virus/Malware Infections Have Been Recognized", and "Ransomware EXE.01092-1_Alert".

How did I open a scam website?

Individuals may come across fraudulent websites via deceitful advertisements or pop-ups, including notifications from questionable pages that surface during their online browsing. Additionally, users might be directed to scam websites through compromised or malicious links disseminated on social media, forums, or similar channels.

In certain instances, users find themselves on scam sites as a result of visiting pages employing rogue advertising networks, such as many torrent sites or illegal movie streaming pages, or through the use of advertising-supported apps. Regardless of the scenario, users typically access scam websites unintentionally.

How to avoid visiting scam pages?

Avoid interacting with advertisements and pop-ups containing suspicious offers, warnings, software updates, or similar content. Download apps from official pages or app stores. Do not allow dubious websites to show notifications. Be careful with emails or messages you did not expect, especially if they have links.

Steer clear of websites offering to download videos from YouTube, torrent sites, and similar platforms. Regularly review installed apps and remove suspicious ones. Use reliable security software and keep it up to date. 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 "Our Security Scans Have Detected Potential Vulnerabilities" pop-up scam (GIF):

Text presented in one of the fake messages on this page:

Microsoft

Our security scans have detected potential vulnerabilities on your PC.

Please run a full system scan immediately to ensure your computer's safety. For expert assistance, please contact Microsoft Support immediately. Our technician will provide you with the best support.

Call Microsoft Support: +1 386-243-7879(Toll-free)

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 Our Security Scans Have Detected Potential Vulnerabilities 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?

A pop-up scam involves a deceitful strategy in which fake pop-up windows or messages show up on a user's screen, frequently during internet browsing. These pop-ups usually display misleading details, fake alerts regarding computer problems, or requests to click on harmful links.

What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?

The objective is to deceive users into performing actions that advantage the scammer, like sharing personal information, downloading malware, or paying for services that turn out to be fake.

Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?

Usually, users come across fraudulent pop-ups when they visit untrustworthy websites that utilize shady advertising networks, like illegal movie streaming pages, torrent sites, and similar platforms. Additionally, these pop-ups may arise from installed adware or similar software. Notifications from questionable websites can also carry false messages.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?

Combo Cleaner has the capability to examine every website you visit. This covers websites specifically designed to initiate pop-up scams. As a result, Combo Cleaner will promptly notify you and block access if you come across such a site, enhancing your online security.

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