How to spot scams like "Apple Security Found Some Infected Files"

Mac Virus

Also Known As: Apple Security Found Some Infected Files fake warning

Damage level:

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What kind of scam is "Apple Security Found Some Infected Files"?

Our examination of the site has revealed that it hosts a technical support scam where fake pop-ups appear to trick unsuspecting visitors into taking certain actions. Usually, such scams use fear tactics to deceive individuals. If this or a similar scam website is encountered, it should be ignored and closed.

Apple Security Found Some Infected Files scam

"Apple Security Found Some Infected Files" scam overview

This scam involves a fake pop-up warning that pretends to be from Apple Security. This fraudulent message claims that infected files were found but cannot be removed due to group policy permissions. It urges the user to call +1-831-225-2327 for support. Another fake warning presented on this scam page is pretty similar.

The latter warning falsely claims that the user's device has been blocked due to illegal activity and provides location details like the IP address, city, and region to appear more convincing. Like the first message, this one attempts to create a sense of urgency and pressures the user to contact a fake Apple MacOS support number for help.

The goal is to deceive the user into calling the provided number, where scammers may attempt to steal personal information (e.g., login credentials or credit card details), download and execute malware, or trick the user into paying for fake or unnecessary services (or products). Additionally, fraudsters may try to gain remote access to computers.

A couple examples of scams where scammers use remote administration tools to access computers are "UltraViewer Scam" and "TeamViewer Scam". These and similar scams should be ignored to avoid potential risks.

Threat Summary:
Name Apple Security Found Some Infected Files fake warning
Threat Type Phishing, Scam, Mac malware, Mac virus
Fake Claim Infected files were found, device has been blocked due to illegal activity
Related Domain inndidppsyyy1.z13.web.core.windows[.]net
Detection Names ESET (Malware), Google Safebrowsing (Phishing), Kaspersky (Malware), Netcraft (Malicious), Yandex Safebrowsing (Phishing), Full List (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address 20.150.90.33
Scam Number +1-831-225-2327
Symptoms Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites.
Distribution methods Deceptive pop-up ads, unreliable websites, scam emails, notifications from shady websites.
Damage Loss of private information and (or) money, identity theft, malware infiltration.
Malware Removal (Windows)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.

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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.

Conclsion

These scams typically involve fake pop-up warnings that create a sense of urgency to pressure users into taking immediate action. The goal is to deceive individuals into calling fraudulent support numbers, where scammers attempt to steal personal information, install malware, or trick victims into paying for unnecessary services.

It is crucial to recognize these warnings as scams and avoid engaging with them. Falling for such scams can lead to computer infections, monetary loss, identity theft, reputational damage, and other issues. Examples of similar scams are "Mac OS Firewall-Alert", "Virus Alert 027341", and "Your Device Is At Risk".

How did I open a scam website?

Users often land on scam pages through misleading advertisements, pop-ups, or deceptive links on untrustworthy websites. Clicking suspicious links in emails, text messages, or social media posts can also lead to fraudulent sites. Notifications from unreliable web pages can also expose users to scams.

In other cases, fraudulent pages are encountered through ads displayed by adware or pages that use rogue advertising networks (e.g., illegal movie streaming sites or torrent pages). Generally, users land on scam pages accidentally or are tricked into visiting them.

How to avoid visiting scam websites?

Do not permit questionable websites to send you notifications, and avoid clicking pop-ups, buttons, links, or ads on shady sites. Download applications and files from reliable sources, such as official web pages or app stores. Do not open links or attachments in shady emails or social media messages.

Regularly update the operating system and installed programs and scan your computer for threats using a reputable security tool. If your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate all threats.

Appearance of "Apple Security Found Some Infected Files" scam (GIF):

Appearance of Apple Security Found Some Infected Files scam (GIF)

Text in a fraudulent warning:

Apple Security

Apple Security 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
Apple Support +1-831-225-2327

[Scan now] [Scan Later]

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:

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Quick menu:

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

Potentially unwanted applications removal:

Remove potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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.

DOWNLOAD remover for malware infections

Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. 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.

Remove adware-related files and folders

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • 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?

A pop-up scam is a fraudulent tactic that often involves an unexpected pop-up window or message appearing on your screen, usually pretending to be from a trusted source like a reputable company or tech support team.

What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?

Scammers use these scams to steal money and (or) personal information. They also use them to deliver malware or obtain remote access to computers.

Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?

Users typically end up on scam pages through misleading ads, pop-ups, suspicious links in emails, text messages, or social media posts, as well as notifications from untrustworthy websites. Fraudulent sites can also be accessed through adware or rogue advertising networks, often on illegal streaming or torrent pages.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?

Combo Cleaner scans all websites you visit and can detect malicious ones, including sites designed to deliver pop-up scams. If you attempt to access a harmful site, you will be immediately warned, and access will be blocked to protect you.

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Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas

Expert security researcher, professional malware analyst

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats.

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