Avoid getting scammed by fake Microsoft sites showing "Error: Ox800VDS"

What kind of scam is "Error: Ox800VDS"?

While browsing suspect webpages, we found one running the "Error: Ox800VDS" technical support scam. Its goal is to lure users into calling a fake Microsoft helpline by using scare tactics. This scheme claims that infected files were found on the visitor's device and it has been locked.

It must be emphasized that all the information provided by "Error: Ox800VDS" is fake, and this scam is not associated with Windows or Microsoft.

"Error: Ox800VDS" scam overview

The "Error: Ox800VDS" imitates Windows OS graphics and color palette. It presents the website's visitor with multiple pop-ups. These windows include a supposed interface of the Microsoft Defender Antivirus running a system scan.

This pop-up is overlaid by another, alerting the user of an error tracked as "Ox800VDS". The visitor is informed that the scan failed; several infected files were detected but not removed. The pop-up urges to perform a manual scan and call "Windows Support". The user is pressured into calling the fake helpline throughout the scam page.

Another pop-up of note (due to its prominence on the webpage) states that the operating system was locked due to unusual activity. This window encourages to sign in using the Microsoft ID and password, as well as contact "Microsoft Support". Should this page operate as a phishing website, the entered log-in credentials will be recorded and sent to scammers.

As mentioned in the introduction, all the claims made by this scheme are untrue, and it is in no way associated with any of the Microsoft products or services.

The aim of "Error: Ox800VDS" is to trick users into calling the bogus support line. How the scam progresses once the call is made can differ; regardless, this deceptive content poses a variety of severe threats.

Threats posed by tech support scammers

Tech support scams may take place entirely over the phone. Throughout the scheme, the scammers pretend that they are "expert technicians", "Windows support", "Microsoft-certified technicians", etc. When on call, these cyber criminals can deceive users into revealing sensitive data, downloading/installing fraudulent or malicious software, making monetary transactions, or performing other actions under the guise of innocuous activities.

In most cases, support scammers request remote access to victims' devices. The connection can be established using legitimate software like AnyDesk, UltraViewer, TeamViewer, etc. Once a device is accessed, the criminals may disable/remove genuine security tools, install fake anti-viruses, or infect the system with malware (e.g., trojans, ransomware, cryptominers, etc.).

Victims can also be tricked into revealing vulnerable information or sending money to scammers. Targeted data can include the log-in credentials of various accounts (e.g., online services, emails, social networking/media, e-commerce, money transferring, banking, digital wallets, etc.), personally identifiable details (e.g., ID card details, passport photos/scans), and finance-related information (e.g., banking account details, credit/debit card numbers, etc.).

Aside from the users disclosing this data over the phone, it can be acquired through phishing sites/files or information-stealing malware.

Furthermore, the "services" of tech support scammers (e.g., "malware/hacker removal", "product installation", "service subscription", etc.) usually carry exorbitant "fees". Cyber criminals rely on difficult-to-trace methods to acquire funds, as that decreases the chances of prosecution and money retrieval.

To elaborate, victims may be asked to pay in digital currencies, pre-paid vouchers, gift cards, or cash hidden in innocent-looking parcels and shipped. What is more, successfully scammed victims are often targeted repeatedly.

In summary, by trusting a scam like "Error: Ox800VDS" – users may experience system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Should you find it impossible to exit a scam webpage, you have to end the browser's process with Task Manager. Keep in mind that restoring the previous browsing session when reaccessing the browser will reopen the page. Hence, start a new browsing session the next time you open your browser.

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

If you have provided your log-in credentials to cyber criminals – change the passwords of all potentially compromised accounts and inform their official support without delay. And if the disclosed information was of a different personal nature (e.g., personally identifiable, finance-related, etc.) – immediately contact the appropriate authorities.

Threat Summary:

Name	"Error: Ox800VDS" tech support scam
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Fake Claim	Infected files were detected and the device was locked.
Disguise	Microsoft
Tech Support Scammer Phone Number	+1-855-200-1145, +1-866-808-0768, +1-844-200-3515, +1-833-590-8176, +1-866-797-9553, +1-866-790-8595, +1-855-399-1058, +1-866-993-8594, +1-888-842-0786, +1-877-233-9994
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

"Threat Detected: xxbc Detected", "Windows Defender Firewall Alert", "Microsoft Windows Firewall Warning", and "A Malicious Item Has Been Detected!" are just some examples of tech support scams we have written about recently.

False claims regarding blocked devices, system infections/errors, connected hackers, and other security-related warnings are common for online scams.

However, these are not the only lures used by scammers. Other widespread schemes center on account issues (e.g., security updates, expired passwords, storage limits, etc.), outdated software, package shipping mishaps, product promotions, giveaways, lotteries, and so on.

While online scams are infamous for being riddled with spelling and grammatical errors, they may be competently crafted and even believably disguised as content associated with legitimate service providers, companies, organizations, and other entities.

How did I open a scam website?

Scam pages can be accessed via redirects generated by websites employing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, and installed adware. Various types of spam (e.g., emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, phone calls, social media/ forum posts, etc.) are also used in scam promotion.

How to avoid visiting scam websites?

Fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, spam browser notifications and intrusive adverts may look harmless – yet redirect users to highly questionable webpages (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

Therefore, we strongly recommend vigilance when browsing. It is important to pay attention to URLs and enter them carefully. Additionally, be selective about which websites you enable to deliver browser notifications; do not permit suspect pages to do so, and instead ignore or deny these requests (i.e., press "Block", "Block Notifications", etc.).

We advise against using sites that offer pirated programs/media or other dubious services (e.g., illegal streaming or downloading, Torrenting, etc.), as these webpages are usually monetized via rogue advertising networks. Incoming emails and other messages must be approached with caution. Attachments or links found in suspect mail must not be opened, as they can be harmful.

Another recommendation is to download from official/verified sources and treat installations with care (e.g., study terms and options, use "Custom/Advanced" settings, and 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 "Error: Ox800VDS" pop-up:

Microsoft Defender

Sorry, scan is not completed!

Error: Ox800VDS

Microsoft Defender found some infected files but not able to remove it because of the group policies permissions. Please Scan now to remove it manually.

Call support for help
Windows Support +1-866-993-8594

The appearance of "Error: Ox800VDS" 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 "Error: Ox800VDS" 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 deceptive messages intended to trick users into performing specific actions. For example, victims may be lured into calling fake helplines, permitting cyber criminals to access devices remotely, revealing private information, making monetary transactions, downloading/installing software, purchasing products, subscribing to services, etc.

What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?

Pop-up scams aim to generate revenue for their designers. Scammers primarily profit by obtaining funds through deception, endorsing content (e.g., sites, software, products, services, etc.), selling/abusing sensitive data, and spreading malware.

Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?

Pop-up scams are promoted on deceptive webpages. These are mainly accessed via redirects generated by sites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, installed adware or attachments/links in spam (e.g., browser notifications, emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, social media posts, etc.).

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

If you cannot close a deceptive webpage – end the browser's process using Task Manager. Do not restore the previous browsing session when reopening the browser. Start a new session so that the scam site would not be inadvertently reaccessed.

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, uninstall the remote access software (e.g., UltraViewer, TeamViewer, etc.) that the scammers used, as they may not need your consent to reconnect. Lastly, run 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 provided your log-in credentials – change the passwords of all potentially exposed accounts and inform their official support. And if you've disclosed other private information (e.g., ID card details, passport scans/photos, credit card numbers, etc.) – contact the appropriate authorities without delay.

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

Combo Cleaner is designed to eliminate all types of threats. It can scan visited websites for deceptive/malicious content. Should you enter such a webpage – you will be immediately warned, and further access to it will be blocked. Combo Cleaner is also capable of detecting and removing most of the known malware infections. Note that since sophisticated malicious software typically hides deep within systems – performing a full system scan is crucial.

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