Avoid getting scammed by fake sites displaying "Virus Alert (05261)"
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of scam is "Virus Alert (05261)"?
"Virus Alert (05261)" is a technical support scam discovered by researchers during a routine inspection of dubious websites. The deceptive "Virus Alert (05261)" webpage is disguised as Microsoft's site, displaying an alert claiming the user's operating system is locked.
It must be stressed that this scam is not associated with Windows or Microsoft. This scheme aims to deceive victims into calling fake support.
"Virus Alert (05261)" scam overview
The scam page is presented as the Microsoft website with multiple pop-up windows. The topmost pop-up claims to be a "Virus Alert (05261)". It warns that Microsoft Windows was locked due to unusual activity and lists various issues. It encourages the user to call "Microsoft Support" for assistance.
It must be reiterated all the information provided in this scam is false, and this deceptive content is not linked to Microsoft or any of the corporation's products and services.
The scheme is jumpstarted when victims call scammers, yet it can operate in a variety of ways. Generally, these cyber criminals request to connect to computers remotely (e.g., via UltraViewer, TeamViewer, etc.).
Threats posed by tech support scammers
Tech support scams can take place entirely over the phone. Victims can be deceived into disclosing sensitive information, downloading/installing software (including malware), sending scammers money, etc. In most cases, cyber criminals access devices remotely using genuine software.
After the connection is established, scammers pretend to perform technical support services. Instead, they can disable/remove real security tools, install fake anti-viruses, extract vulnerable data, and infect the system with actual malware (e.g., trojans, ransomware, cryptominers, etc.).
Targeted information can include log-in credentials (e.g., emails, social media, e-commerce, online banking, digital wallets, etc.), personally identifiable details (e.g., ID card details, passport scans/photos, etc.), finance-related data (e.g., banking account details, credit/debit card numbers, etc.).
Victims can be tricked into disclosing their private information via phone calls or phishing sites/files. Alternatively, criminals can use data-stealing malware
Usually, scammers request payment for their "services". They use difficult-to-trace methods to obtain funds, such as cryptocurrencies, gift cards, or cash hidden in packages and shipped. Hence, prosecution options are diminished, and victims cannot get their money back.
In summary, by trusting a scam like "Virus Alert (05261)" – users can experience system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
If you cannot close a scam webpage – end the browser's process using Task Manager. Start a new browsing session when relaunching the browser, as the previous one includes the deceptive page.
If you have allowed cyber criminals to access your device remotely – firstly, disconnect it from the Internet. Secondly, uninstall the remote access program that the criminals used, as they might not need your consent to reconnect. Lastly, run a full system with an anti-virus and eliminate all detected threats.
| Name | "Virus Alert (05261)" tech support scam |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
| Fake Claim | The Windows operating system was locked due to unusual activity. |
| Disguise | Microsoft |
| Tech Support Scammer Phone Number | +1-844-412-1886, +1-844-412-2469, +1-833-438-7048, +1-833-582-4480, +1-877-201-6093, +1-888-474-0067, +1-844-216-9800, +1-888-351-4988, +1-877-201-5194, +1-888-973-4866, +1-844-645-5313 |
| Related Domains | ondigitalocean[.]app |
| Detection Names | Netcraft (Malicious), Trustwave (Phishing), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address | 172.66.0.96 |
| 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. |
Technical support scam examples
We have analyzed countless online scams; "Error Updating Software: #009292w099738H98", "Online Internet Banking Security Center", "Microsoft Detected A Unusual Application In Your System", and "Temporary Files Deletion Have Started" are merely some of our latest articles on tech support scams.
The Internet is rife with deceptive and malicious content. Scams can differ greatly in appearance and mechanisms. However, the end goal is the same throughout – to generate revenue at victims' expense.
How did I open a scam website?
Online scams are primarily promoted via websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam (e.g., emails, DMs/PMs, SMSes, browser notifications, social media/ forum posts, etc.), typosquatting (mistyped URLs), malvertising (intrusive adverts), and adware.
How to avoid visiting scam websites?
Caution is key to online safety. Therefore, always be vigilant when browsing. Pay attention to URLs and type them carefully. Be wary of advertisements and do not trust offers that sound too good to be true. Be selective when permitting webpages to deliver browsing notifications; ignore or deny notification delivery from dubious pages (i.e., press "Block", "Block Notifications", etc.).
Do not use websites offering pirated content or other questionable services (e.g., Torrenting, illegal streaming/downloading, etc.), as these webpages typically employ rogue advertising networks. Approach incoming emails and other messages with caution; do not open attachments or links found in suspect/irrelevant mail.
Download only from official/verified sources and treat installations with care (e.g., read terms, explore options, use "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of additional apps, extensions, etc.) – to prevent bundled/harmful software (like adware) 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 "Virus Alert (05261)" scam's topmost pop-up:
Virus Alert (05261) !!
Microsoft Windows locked due to unusual activity. Error: 0x800xdfy
Security
Networks are safe
Virus free
14 outdated apps
Privacy
19 privacy settings to fix
434 browser cookies
Performance
10.4 GB to free up
21 slow startup apps
377 registry entries
Fix Issues Show details
Your system has been reported to be infected with Trojan-type spyware.
For assistance, contact Microsoft Support
+1-844-216-9800 (Helpline)
The appearance of "Virus Alert (05261)" pop-up scam (GIF):
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Quick menu:
- What is "Virus Alert (05261)" 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 designed to trick users into performing certain actions. For example, victims can be deceived into calling fake support lines, sending money to scammers, allowing cyber criminals to access devices remotely, downloading/installing software, purchasing products, subscribing to services, disclosing sensitive information, and so on.
What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?
Pop-up scams are designed to generate revenue for scammers. Profit can be made by acquiring funds through deception, promoting content (e.g., sites, software, products, services, etc.), abusing/selling private data, and distributing malware.
Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?
Pop-up scams are most commonly endorsed via sites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam (e.g., emails, browser notifications, DMs/PMs, SMSes, etc.), intrusive advertisements, and adware.
I cannot exit a scam page, how do I close it?
Should it be impossible to close a scam webpage – end the browser's process using Task Manager. When relaunching the browser, start a new browsing session since the previous one includes the deceptive site.
I have allowed cyber criminals to remotely access my computer, what should I do?
If you have permitted cyber criminals to access your computer remotely – you must first disconnect it from the Internet. Afterward, remove the remote access software the criminals used (e.g., UltraViewer, TeamViewer, etc.), as they might not need your permission to reconnect. Lastly, run a full system scan with an anti-virus and eliminate 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 possibly compromised accounts and inform their official support. However, if the disclosed information was of a different personal nature (e.g., passport photos/scans, ID card details, 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 kinds of threats. Its capabilities include scanning visited websites for deceptive and malicious content. Additionally, it can block all further access to such pages. Combo Cleaner is capable of detecting and removing almost all known malware infections. Note that performing a complete system scan is essential since high-end malicious software typically hides deep within systems.
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