How to identify scams like "Your Computer Has Corrupted Files"

What kind of scam is "Your Computer Has Corrupted Files"?

Our analysis of the site (refreshedorder[.]com) revealed that it is a scam page designed to trick visitors into believing that their computer has corrupted files. This scam involves a fake system scan and a deceptive pop-up message. Scammers likely use it to steal personal information and (or) money or collect illegitimate commissions.

"Your Computer Has Corrupted Files" scam in detail

In this scam, the website "scans" the system for threats and "detects" multiple threats. It then presents a fake pop-up warning claiming that a computer has corrupted files and urging users to take immediate action. The message says that the supposedly detected malicious files will likely track activity and collect banking details and login credentials.

It urges users to renew their subscriptions to keep their computers protected. It is important to note that the "scan" performed on the site is disguised as a legitimate process performed by the Norton security tool. Norton is a well-known brand of cybersecurity software, and it has nothing to do with the scam site.

Pretty often, deceptive web pages promoting legitimate software products are used to collect illegitimate commissions. Their creators get paid when users pay for the advertised subscriptions or other services/products through their affiliate links.

Also, these sites can be used to trick users into disclosing sensitive information (e.g., usernames, passwords, credit card details, or ID card information), downloading unwanted or malicious software, or paying for fake products and services. Either way, such websites should be ignored, closed, and never visited again.

Threat Summary:

Name	Your Computer Has Corrupted File scam
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Fake Claim	Your computer has corrupted files
Disguise	Legitimate warning from Norton
Related Domain	refreshedorder[.]com
Detection Names	Bfore.Ai PreCrime (Suspicious), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Symptoms	Fake error messages, fake system warnings, pop-up errors, hoax computer scan.
Distribution methods	Compromised websites, rogue online pop-up ads, 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 scams in general

Scams like this one exploit trusted brands like Norton to deceive users into believing their systems are infected or some other issue has occurred. They present fake warnings and urge users to pay for unnecessary (or fake) subscriptions or services. Users are advised to verify any security messages through official channels and never trust suspicious websites.

Some examples of similar scams are "Your Norton Subscription Is Out Of Date", "Norton Subscription Payment Has Failed", and "Failed To Remove Viruses".

How did I open a scam website?

Scam websites are promoted using various channels. These include links in phishing emails, push notifications from suspicious sites, fake buttons on shady pages, misleading pop-ups, or deceptive ads (including those displayed by adware). Users can also end up on fraudulent websites through rogue advertising networks used by torrent sites, illegal streaming platforms, and similar pages.

Additionally, scammers may use tactics like search engine manipulation, ensuring their fake sites appear at the top of results to attract visitors. Generally, users often land on these sites unintentionally.

How to avoid visiting scam pages?

Use well-known search engines like Google and always double-check website URLs to confirm they are legitimate before interacting with them. Do not allow notifications from suspicious sites. Be careful with ads, pop-ups, and links on questionable websites. Only download apps from trusted sources like official app stores or websites.

Make sure to update your apps and operating system regularly, and run security scans with a trusted antivirus program. If your computer is already infected with unwanted apps, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

The appearance of "Your Computer Has Corrupted Files" pop-up scam (GIF):

Text in the fake pop-up message:

Your Computer Has Corrupted Files!
URGENT ACTION IS REQUIRED!
Malicious files found on this computer will likely track activity, collect banking details and login credentials.
Please renew subscription to keep your Computer protected.
Renew Your Subscription
Unprotected Computers are 94% more vulnerable to suffer from malware.

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 Your Computer Has Corrupted File 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?

This scam usually involves fake pop-up messages, such as warnings or offers that appear on a deceptive website.

What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?

These scams are usually designed to steal sensitive information, trick users into making payments, or install malware on their devices.

Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?

Scam websites can be reached through malicious ad networks commonly found on torrent sites and illegal streaming platforms, manipulated search engine results, phishing emails, fake links, misleading pop-ups, adware, and other fraudulent methods.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from online scams?

Combo Cleaner monitors the websites you visit and detects malicious ones, including those running pop-up scams. If a site is identified as dangerous, it will immediately warn you and block access to protect your device.

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