Avoid getting scammed by fake "CCLEANER AntiVirus License Has Expired" sites
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of scam is "CCLEANER AntiVirus License Has Expired"?
While investigating browser notification spam, our research team discovered the "CCLEANER AntiVirus License Has Expired" scam. This deceptive content uses scare tactics to promote software.
It is noteworthy that while schemes of this kind may be used to endorse genuine products/services, they are more commonly implemented in the promotion of unreliable and potentially malicious applications.
"CCLEANER AntiVirus License Has Expired" scam overview
This scam claims that the license for the "CCLEANER AntiVirus" has expired. The user is alerted that this puts them at risk of "viruses, malware, and identity theft".
While it is true that devices are at greater risk of infection and other issues due to the absence of security software, these statements are used to scare users into downloading/installing the endorsed app without much forethought. The scheme in question also promises a 70% discount for the license renewal.
It must be emphasized that this scam is in no way associated with the real CCleaner utility program or its developer – Piriform Software.
While at the time of research, the scheme did redirect to CCleaner's official site – this is uncommon. These "promotions" for genuine products/services are motivated by scammers seeking illegitimate commissions from this abuse of affiliate programs.
It must be mentioned that there are no guarantees that "CCLEANER AntiVirus License Has Expired" will continue to redirect to CCleaner's website. Additionally, the scheme could lead victims to imitator sites that closely mimic the originals yet endorse untrustworthy/harmful software.
Scams of this kind most often push dubious programs, primarily fake anti-viruses, adware, browser hijackers, and various PUAs. We have even found instances of such schemes proliferating malware, such as trojans, ransomware, cryptocurrency miners, and other malicious programs.
Therefore, we strongly recommend downloading content only from official and verified sources. Do not be tempted by offers of discounts since they might not apply, and you risk infecting your device, purchasing fake apps, or experiencing other serious problems.
In summary, by trusting scams like "CCLEANER AntiVirus License Has Expired" – users can experience system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | "CCLEANER AntiVirus License Has Expired" pop-up |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
| Fake Claim | User's CCleaner license has expired and requires renewal for continued device protection. |
| Disguise | CCleaner |
| Related Domains | productpageonline[.]com, yourpersonaloffers[.]com, yourpersonaldiscount[.]com |
| VirusTotal Detections and Serving IP Addresses | productpageonline[.]com (188.240.52.20), yourpersonaloffers[.]com (188.240.52.20), yourpersonaldiscount[.]com (188.240.52.20) |
| 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. |
Similar scam examples
"Malwarebytes - Your PC Is Infected With 5 Viruses!", "WARNING!(1)", "Norton - Your PC Is Infected With 18 Viruses!" – are just a couple examples of scams akin to "CCLEANER AntiVirus License Has Expired".
Some of these schemes also utilize fake system scans that "detect" serious threats on users' devices. It must be stressed that no website can find issues in visitor's systems – hence, those making such claims are scams.
How did I open a scam website?
We found "CCLEANER AntiVirus License Has Expired" through a spam browser notification. However, other types of spam, i.e., emails, DMs/PMs, SMSes, social media/ forum posts, etc. – are also used in scam promotion. Intrusive advertisements are utilized for this purpose as well.
Furthermore, a misspelled website URL can land users on a deceptive page. Sites using rogue advertising networks can force-open scam webpages upon access or when hosted content is clicked (e.g., buttons, text input fields, links, ads, etc.). Additionally, adware can display scam-endorsing adverts and/or force-open websites running them.
How to avoid visiting scam websites?
It is essential to be cautious while browsing. We advise against using sites that offer pirated content or other questionable services (e.g., Torrenting, illegal streaming/downloading, etc.), as these webpages are usually monetized through rogue advertising networks.
Avoid clicking suspicious ads or notifications, as despite their innocuous appearance – they can redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
To prevent suspect pages from displaying browser notification spam – do not permit their delivery (i.e., do not click "Allow", "Allow Notifications", etc.). Instead, ignore or deny notifications from such sites (i.e., press "Block", "Block Notifications", etc.). Pay attention to URLs and type them carefully.
Additionally, download only from official/trustworthy sources and treat installations with care (e.g., read terms, choose "Custom/Advanced" settings, opt out of additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.) – to prevent bundled/hazardous 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 "CCLEANER AntiVirus License Has Expired" scam:
Your CCLEANER AntiVirus license has expired!
Your CCLEANER AntiVirus license for Windows recently expired, date: January 02, 2024.
Once your CCLEANER AntiVirus license expires, your computer is vulnerable to viruses, malware, and identity theft.
Protect your computer and your family from constantly evolving threats targeting computers...
Discount applied (January 09, 2024)
Your device and your current license entitle you to 70% DISCOUNT
CCLEANER Antivirus 2024
20.9.139 (up to 10 devices)
Current license:
4RJW-TC5M-W7RK-PED1
RENEW YOUR LICENSE AND REACTIVATE YOUR PROTECTION
The appearance of "CCLEANER AntiVirus License Has Expired" pop-up scam (GIF):
Screenshot of a spam notification promoting the "CCLEANER AntiVirus License Has Expired" pop-up scam:
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is "CCLEANER AntiVirus License Has Expired" 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?
Pop-up scams are deceptive messages designed to lure users into performing specific actions. For example, victims can be tricked into downloading/installing software, purchasing products, making monetary transactions, disclosing sensitive data, calling fake support lines, subscribing to services, and so forth.
What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?
The purpose of pop-up scams is to generate revenue for their designers. Scammers primarily profit by obtaining funds through deception, abusing or selling private information, promoting content (e.g., sites, products, services, etc.), and spreading malware.
Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?
Pop-up scams are run on deceptive webpages. Most visitors access them via redirects generated by spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, websites employing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, or installed adware.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?
Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning visited websites for deceptive/malicious content. Therefore, should you visit such a page – you will be warned immediately, and further access to it will be blocked.
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