Avoid getting scammed by fake websites displaying a "WARNING!(1)" pop-up

What kind of scam is "WARNING!(1)"?

Our researchers found the "WARNING!(1)" scam during a routine inspection of suspicious websites. This scheme uses scare tactics to create an impression that the site visitor's device is at great risk of a system infection. Therefore, they are urged to renew their anti-virus software.

"WARNING!(1)" scam overview

The "WARNING!(1)" scam claims that the user's computer is in danger of "phishing, identity theft, and hacking". They are encouraged to renew their anti-virus program and protect their online identity.

It must be emphasized that these claims are meant to scare users into downloading/installing or purchasing software, and this content is in no way associated with any legitimate entities.

At the time of research, pressing the "Quick Fix" button presented on this scheme resulted in a redirect to the official website of the real McAfee anti-virus. This is uncommon for scams of this kind, but when they do endorse genuine products/services – it is because scammers are seeking to acquire illegitimate commissions through the abuse of the content's affiliate programs.

We expressly advise against downloading software pushed via schemes, as imitator webpages can mimic legitimate ones incredibly closely. Additionally, there are no guarantees that "WARNING!(1)" will continue to redirect to McAfee's official site.

Typically, scams of this ilk promote fake anti-viruses, adware, browser hijackers, and various PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications). In some rare instances, they may even proliferate trojans, ransomware, cryptocurrency miners, and other malware.

In summary, by trusting a scam like "WARNING!(1)" – users can experience system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	"WARNING!(1)" pop-up
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Fake Claim	Visitor's computer is at risk of infections and other serious issues.
Related Domains	systemscan23driveversion3456[.]homes
Detection Names	N/A (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address	18.160.249.127
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.

Similar scam examples

We have investigated thousands of online scams; "Norton - Your PC Is Infected With 18 Viruses!", "McAfee - You Might Recently Browsed To Compromised Websites", "Your PC Has Been DDoS Attacked And Infected With Viruses", and "TotalAV Security - Your PC Is Infected With 5 Viruses!" are merely some examples of ones similar to "WARNING!(1)".

The Internet is rife with deceptive and malicious content. Scare tactics, fake system scans, threat alerts – these are just a few of the numerous claims used in scams. Yet regardless of what lures are used, the sole purpose of online schemes is to generate revenue at victims' expense.

How did I open a scam website?

Scam pages can be force-opening the moment a site that uses rogue advertising networks is accessed or when hosted content is clicked (e.g., buttons, text input fields, ads, etc.). Additionally, spam browser notifications and intrusive advertisements endorse online scams.

Misspelling a website's URL can also result in a redirect landing on a deceptive webpage. Adware is used in scam promotion as well; it can display adverts that endorse this content and/or force-open the websites hosting it. Spam in general (e.g., emails, DMs/PMs, SMSes, forum/ social media posts, etc.) is employed in promoting scams.

How to avoid visiting scam websites?

It is essential to be careful while browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears genuine and innocuous. For example, despite the harmless appearance of spam browser notifications and intrusive ads – they redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, etc.).

We advise against using sites that offer pirated programs/media or other dubious services (e.g., illegal streaming/downloading, Torrenting, etc.), as these webpages are usually monetized via rogue advertising networks. Additionally, pay attention to URLs and enter them with care.

Do not permit suspicious pages to deliver browser notifications (i.e., do not click "Allow", "Allow Notifications", etc.). Instead, ignore or deny notification delivery from such webpages (i.e., press "Block", "Block Notifications", etc.).

Another recommendation is to be careful with incoming emails/messages, as attachments/links found in dubious mail can be harmful.

To prevent bundled/hazardous software from infiltrating your device – download only from official/verified channels and be vigilant when installing (e.g., read terms, study available options, use "Custom/Advanced" settings, opt 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 "WARNING!(1)" scam pop-up:

WARNING!(1)

Your computer may be at risk for phishing, identity theft, and hacking. An antivirus program renewal may be required. .

Urgent Warning:Update AntiVirus to protect your onLine Identity. 186 seconds

Your files are ready to download: Click "Quick Fix"

Quick Fix

The appearance of "WARNING!(1)" 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 "WARNING!(1)" pop-up?
• 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 designed to lure users into performing specific actions. For example, victims can be scared/enticed into making monetary transactions, disclosing private information, downloading/installing software, purchasing products, etc.

What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?

Pop-up scams aim to generate revenue at victims' expense. Scammers profit primarily via acquiring funds through deception, abusing or selling sensitive data, promoting content (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.), and proliferating malware.

Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?

Pop-up scams are hosted on deceptive webpages. Users primarily enter them via redirects caused by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?

Combo Cleaner is designed to scan visited websites and detect deceptive/malicious ones. Hence, if you visit such a page – you will be warned, and further access to it will be blocked.

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