How to identify fraudulent warnings like "Your Device Is At Risk"
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is "Your Device Is At Risk" scam?
Upon examining this fraudulent pop-up message, we concluded that it is a scam designed to trick users into believing that their devices are at risk. Typically, scammers use such scams to extract personal information or money or deliver unwanted (potentially malicious) applications. Either way, users should ignore such messages to avoid potential risks.
"Your Device Is At Risk" pop-up scam overview
This fraudulent pop-up message warns the user that their device is at risk due to detected suspicious activity. It suggests that viruses may be present on a device. It strongly recommends running a malware scan and instructs the user to click the "Protected Device" button to open the AppStore.
Once there, they are advised to install the app, open it, and start the scan. It is important to note that clicking the provided button may lead to the AppStore. However, this would not make the fraudulent pop-up message any more legitimate. Scams using scare (or similar) tactics cannot be trusted and should be ignored.
Moreover, links/buttons in fake pop-up warnings or other messages can take users to web pages or third-party app stores hosting potentially malicious applications. They may also direct users to phishing sites, technical support scams, fake giveaways, lotteries, and other schemes.
Thus, interacting with fraudulent pop-ups can expose users to privacy and security risks. Users should always close such messages to avoid the associated risks.
| Name | Your Device Is At Risk fake pop-up message |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Fake Claim | User's device is at risk |
| Symptoms | Your device becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), torrent file downloads, fraudulent emails or messages. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
| Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Similar scams in general
Fraudulent pop-ups often create a sense of urgency, warning of a security threat or issue that provokes immediate action. They typically direct users to download potentially malicious software or visit deceptive websites where they would be asked to provide personal information, pay for fake services or products, or take other actions.
Some examples of similar scams are "Apple VPN Protection Required", "Access To This Apple Device Has Been Blocked", and "Apple Security Services".
How did I open a scam website?
It is common for scams to be encountered via notifications from unreliable pages, misleading advertisements, and links in fraudulent emails. Scammers can also trick users into landing on scam pages via sites that use rogue advertising networks. Such networks are often found on illegal movie streaming platforms, torrent sites, adult pages, etc.
Additionally, users may encounter scams through malicious links shared on social media or in text messages. Overall, it is very common for users to be tricked into opening fraudulent pages running scams.
How to avoid visiting scam websites?
Be cautious with unexpected emails from unfamiliar sources; don’t open attachments or click on links from questionable emails. Only download software and files from trusted sources like official websites or app stores. Do not agree to receive notifications from suspicious pages, and steer clear of advertisements and similar content on such sites.
Make sure your operating system and software always have the latest updates, and regularly scan your system with a reputable security tool. If your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate all threats.
Text in this pop-up scam:
Your device is at risk!
Suspicious activity has been detected on your device, which may indicate the presence of viruses. A malware scan on your device is strongly recommended.
How to run a malware scan?
Step 1: Click the "Protected Device" button below
Step 2: You'll be redirected to the AppStore
Step 3: Install the app, open it, and start the scanning process.
[Protect Device]
Instant automatic Mac 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 Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac
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. Limited seven 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 "Your Device Is At Risk"?
- STEP 1. Remove unwanted apps and related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue add-ons from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
Unwanted applications removal:
Remove potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:
Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select "Applications". In the applications folder, look for "MPlayerX","NicePlayer", or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.
Remove adware-related files and folders
Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/
In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.
Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/
In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.
Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/
In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:
In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/
In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.
Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:
If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.
Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.
After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.
Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers
Remove malicious Safari extensions:
Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".
In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a pop-up scam?
It is a fake warning, alert, offer, or other message that appears on the user's device. Usually, this message uses urgent language or similar tactics to trick users into taking immediate action.
What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?
In most cases, these scams are crafted to extract money or personal information or trick users into downloading unwanted or malicious applications.
Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?
Scams are often encountered through notifications from unreliable sites, misleading ads, and links in fraudulent emails. They can also be promoted via rogue ad networks on illegal streaming sites, torrent sites, adult pages, etc. Malicious links on social media or in texts are other common sources of scams.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?
Combo Cleaner scans every website you visit and can detect malicious ones, including those that deliver pop-up scams. If it identifies a harmful site, you will be immediately warned, and access will be blocked.
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