How to identify scams like "Error_Code: GUI45WGV0001"
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of scam is "Error_Code: GUI45WGV0001"?
While browsing suspicious websites, our research team discovered the "Error_Code: GUI45WGV0001" scam. Upon examination, we determined that it is a technical support scam. It warns users that their computers are infected and urges them to call support.
It must be stressed that these claims are false, and this high-risk scam is not associated with the real Microsoft Corporation or any of its products/services.
"Error_Code: GUI45WGV0001" scam overview
This scam employs Microsoft graphics. Its pop-up states that the website visitor's device has been infected with malware, likely originating from a click on a malicious link or a suspicious file download. Allegedly, the nonexistent malware can compromise system security, spread to linked devices, and steal personal information. The window recommends running a quick scan.
The background page claims that someone is attempting to steal the user's log-ins, banking details, and credit card numbers. As a protective measure, the webpage alerts that hard drive deletion will start soon. To resolve these issues, the visitor is urged to contact "Windows Support".
As mentioned in the introduction, all the information in this scam is false, and this content is in no way associated with Microsoft. In fact, no website can perform system scans or detect threats on visitors' computers.
Tech support scams aim to trick users into calling fake helplines. By pretending to be "certified technicians", scammers can deceive callers into disclosing sensitive information or infecting their devices with malware over the phone. However, in most cases, victims are lured into permitting cyber criminals to access their devices remotely.
Threats posed by tech support scammers
Tech support scams pose severe threats. Scammers typically request access to computers remotely and rely on legitimate software (e.g., UltraViewer, TeamViewer, AnyDesk, etc.). While pretending to perform technical services, cyber criminals can remove genuine security tools, install fake anti-viruses, obtain private data, extract funds, and infiltrate actual malware (e.g., trojans, ransomware, cryptominers, etc.).
Targeted information can include account log-in credentials (e.g., emails, social media, entertainment services, e-commerce, digital wallets, online banking, etc.), personally identifiable data (e.g., ID card details, passport photos/scans, etc.), and finance-related information (e.g., credit/debit card numbers, etc.).
The "services" provided by tech support scammers tend to be exorbitantly priced. Difficult-to-trace methods are used for fund acquisition to lower the chances of successful prosecution and money recovery by victims.
To summarize, by trusting a scam like "Error_Code: GUI45WGV0001" – users can experience system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
Should you find it impossible to exit a deceptive webpage – end the browser's process with Task Manager. Remember to start a new browsing session when re-accessing the browser, as the previous one includes the scam page.
If you have permitted scammers to access your device remotely – first, you must disconnect it from the Internet. Second, uninstall the remote access program that the cyber criminals used, as they might not need your permission to reconnect. Last, run a full system scan with an anti-virus and eliminate all detected threats.
| Name | "Error_Code: GUI45WGV0001" tech support scam |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
| Fake Claim | Visitor's system has been infected with malware. |
| Disguise | Microsoft |
| Tech Support Scammer Phone Number | +1 (844) 763 4646 |
| Related Domains | impactfinancial[.]site |
| Detection Names (impactfinancial[.]site) | Fortinet (Phishing), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (impactfinancial[.]site) | 208.72.154.60 |
| 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
"Microsoft Account Locked", "Windows Defender Security Scan", and "We Are Having Trouble With Firewall" are just some of our latest articles on tech support scams.
The Internet is rife with scams. They use various lures to gain victims' interest and trust, such as claims concerning system infections, software updates, shipping issues, product/service promotions, giveaways, lotteries, etc.
Online scams are often poorly put together and riddled with mistakes, but they can be competently made and even convincingly disguised as content associated with legitimate entities. Due to how widespread scams are and how well-made they can be – we strongly advise vigilance when browsing.
How did I open a scam website?
Online scams are primarily endorsed through webpages that use rogue advertising networks, malvertising (intrusive ads), spam (e.g., emails, PMs/DMs, social media/ forum posts, cold calls/ robocalls, SMSes, browser notifications, etc.), typosquatting (misspelled URLs), and adware (ads/redirects).
How to avoid visiting scam websites?
We highly recommend caution when browsing. Therefore, be wary of websites, advertisements, messages, and calls warning of serious dangers or making unbelievable promises.
Do not use sites offering pirated programs/media or other dubious services (e.g., illegal streaming/downloading, Torrenting, etc.), as these webpages usually utilize rogue advertising networks. Pay attention to URLs and enter them carefully.
Approach incoming mail with care; do not open attachments or links present in suspicious emails/messages. Do not permit questionable pages to deliver browser notifications; ignore or block their notification requests.
Download from official/trustworthy sources and be attentive when installing (e.g., study terms and options, use "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of supplementary 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 "Error_Code: GUI45WGV0001" scam:
Pop-up:
Windows Defender Security Center
Error_Code: GUI45WGV0001
This system has been infected by malware, which was introduced through clicking on malicious links or downloading suspicious files. This type of malware can compromise system security, steal personal information and potentially spread to other connected devices.
Quick scan is required to remove the malware and protect the sensitive data.
Do you want to run the scan ?
----------
Background page:
Microsoft
100755
Someone Is Trying To Steal Your Banking Details, Credit Card Details & Other Logins.
Your data is at high risk
For Safety , Hard Drive Delete Will Start Soon .
Contact Windows Support
Toll Free +1 (844) 763 4646
The appearance of "Error_Code: GUI45WGV0001" pop-up scam (GIF):
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Quick menu:
- What is "Error_Code: GUI45WGV0001" 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 a type of Web content that aims to trick users into performing specific actions. For example, victims can be deceived into calling fake support lines, allowing scammers to connect to their devices remotely, sending money to cyber criminals, downloading/installing software, disclosing sensitive data, buying products, subscribing to services, and so on.
What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?
The purpose of pop-up scams is to generate revenue for scammers. Profit can be made by acquiring funds through deception, promoting content (e.g., sites, software, products, services, etc.), selling/abusing sensitive information, and spreading malware.
Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?
Pop-up scams are primarily promoted via sites using rogue advertising networks, spam (e.g., emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, calls, social media posts, browser notifications, etc.), intrusive ads (malvertising), mistyped URLs (typosquatting), and adware.
I cannot exit a scam page, how do I close it?
If you cannot close a scam webpage – end the browser's process using Task Manager. Start a new browsing session when reopening the browser, as the previous session includes the deceptive site.
I have allowed cyber criminals to remotely access my computer, what should I do?
If you have allowed cyber criminals to access your computer remotely – you have to disconnect it from the Internet. Afterward, remove the remote access software that the criminals used, as they might not need your consent to reconnect. Lastly, run a complete 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 without delay. However, if you've disclosed other private data (e.g., ID card details, passport scans/photos, credit card numbers, etc.) – immediately contact relevant authorities.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams and the malware they proliferate?
Combo Cleaner is designed to eliminate all kinds of threats. It can scan visited sites for deceptive/malicious content and block all further access to such webpages. Combo Cleaner can detect and remove most of the known malware infections. It is essential to perform a complete system scan since sophisticated malicious software usually hides deep within systems.
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