Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device Pop-Up Scam: How to Stay Safe

Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics to deceive unsuspecting individuals, and one prevalent scheme that has emerged is the “Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device” scam. In this cunning ploy, users are redirected to deceptive websites that mimic well-known brands like Microsoft, displaying alarming messages claiming their devices are infected with dangerous malware. These fraudulent pop-ups demand immediate action, urging victims to call a provided phone number for assistance. However, falling into this trap can lead to further exploitation and financial loss.

To safeguard yourself from falling victim to this scam and others like it, it’s crucial to understand the red flags and take preventive measures. Read on to learn more about the “Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device” scam and how to protect yourself from its deceptive grip.

QUICK LINKS

• How the scam works
• How to Identify Such Scams
• How to remove “Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device” pop-ups

How the scam works

The “Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device” scam is a sophisticated scheme that preys on users’ fears of malware infections and illegal activities. Scammers employ various tactics to redirect users to their fraudulent websites, often through malicious ads, compromised websites, or email phishing campaigns. Once you land on one of these deceptive pages, a pop-up message appears, claiming to be from a reputable company like Microsoft.

Highlighted below is the text that appears in the ‘Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device’ topmost pop-up:

Windows Defender Security Center

Virus has been detected on your device
Error Code: WinError.h 6001(0x1770)

Access to this pc has been blocked due to illegal activity
Contact Windows Support: +1-(833)-469-0470

Microsoft [Allow] [Exit]

The scam page presents a false Windows Security Warning, using alarming language and urgency to create a sense of panic. It falsely asserts that your device is infected with a dangerous ransomware called Trojan.SLocker. To make matters worse, the warning claims that your device has been blocked due to engaging in illegal activities, making you feel more vulnerable and anxious.

To address the supposed threat, the scam page provides a phone number for you to call for assistance. The scammers behind the scheme hope to instill a sense of urgency and fear, making you believe that immediate action is necessary to resolve the issue. However, it is important to understand that this phone number does not connect you to legitimate technical support. Instead, it leads you directly to the scammers themselves.

When you call the provided phone number, the scammers may pose as tech support representatives, using persuasive techniques to gain your trust. They may ask for remote access to your device, claiming it is necessary to diagnose and fix the alleged issues. By gaining control over your device, they can potentially install malware, steal your personal information, or even lock your device and demand a ransom for its release.

Additionally, the scammers may attempt to extract sensitive information from you, such as login credentials, credit card details, or other financial information. They may deceive you into believing that you need to make a payment to resolve the supposed malware infection or illegal activity on your device. However, any payment made to these scammers would result in financial loss without any legitimate resolution to the fabricated problem.

Engaging with the scammers can have severe consequences, including the compromise of your personal information, financial loss, and potential identity theft. It is crucial to be aware of these deceptive practices and exercise caution when encountering such pop-up messages or websites.

To protect yourself from falling victim to the “Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device” scam and similar schemes, it is essential to stay informed, remain skeptical of unsolicited contact, and rely on official and verified sources for technical support. Remember that legitimate tech companies like Microsoft will not display pop-up messages with phone numbers for you to call regarding virus infections or illegal activities.

Examples of such scams

Scammers are continually coming up with new tactics to deceive unsuspecting individuals, and the “Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device” scam is just one example of their deceptive techniques. However, it is important to note that this is not an isolated case. There are numerous scams out there that exploit similar strategies, aiming to trick people into falling for their fraudulent schemes.

Here are some links to examples of similar scams: Virus Has Been Found On Your PC Scam, Your Card Payment Has Failed – McAfee Renew Subscription Scam, and McAfee Virus found (3) Pop-Up Scam.

Origins of “Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device” Scam Pop-ups

The “Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device” scam pop-ups can come from various sources, including malicious websites, spam emails, or pop-up advertisements. One of the most common methods is through the use of adware, which is a type of software that displays unwanted ads or redirects users to unwanted websites. Adware can be bundled with legitimate software or downloaded unintentionally from the internet.

Another source of these scams is through the use of malicious push notifications, which are notifications that appear on your desktop or mobile device without your consent. These push notifications can be triggered by visiting a malicious website or by downloading a malicious app.

In some cases, scammers use fraudulent ad networks to display fake ads that look like legitimate security warnings, tricking users into clicking on them and installing malware on their computers.

How to Identify Such Scams

Being able to identify scams similar to the “Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device” scheme is crucial in protecting yourself from falling victim to online fraud. These scams employ deceptive tactics to instill fear and urgency in their targets, aiming to trick them into divulging sensitive information or falling for fraudulent schemes. By understanding how to identify such scams, you can better protect yourself from falling victim to their deceitful practices.

In this section, we will explore key indicators that can help you spot these scams and take appropriate measures to stay safe in the digital landscape.

• Pay attention to the website’s URL and domain name. Scammers often use slight variations or misspellings of legitimate domain names to create fake websites. Double-check the web address for any irregularities or inconsistencies.
• Many scam websites have amateurish designs, with low-quality graphics, spelling errors, or poor grammar. Legitimate companies typically have well-designed and professional-looking websites, so be wary of any visual inconsistencies or unprofessional elements.
• Scam pages often utilize alarming language and urgency to create a sense of panic. They may claim your device is infected, blocked, or involved in illegal activities, aiming to prompt immediate action. Legitimate companies usually communicate important information through official channels rather than using aggressive pop-ups.
• Be cautious if you receive unsolicited pop-ups, emails, or phone calls claiming there is a problem with your device. Legitimate companies generally do not initiate support or security alerts without prior contact from the user.
• Scammers may ask for sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, or social security numbers. Legitimate companies will never request such information through unsolicited contact or suspicious channels.
• Check for official verification marks or security indicators on websites. Legitimate companies often display security seals, SSL certificates, or other trust marks to demonstrate their authenticity.
• Rely on official support channels provided by reputable companies. Avoid clicking on random links or calling phone numbers displayed on suspicious websites or pop-ups. Use search engines to independently find official contact information and verify its legitimacy.

By being aware of these red flags and adopting a cautious approach, you can effectively identify scams similar to the “Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device” scheme. Remember, it is essential to prioritize your online security and protect yourself from falling victim to these deceptive tactics.

Threat Summary

Name	“Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device” Scam
Type	Tech Support Scam
Fake claims	Claims device is infected with dangerous ransomware
Fake err	Claims device is infected with Trojan.SLocker. A dangerous ransomware, Error Code: WinError.h 6001(0x1770)
Scammers websites	adultlogger.online, microassistagent.online, microagent.site, microagent.store, microhelpdesk.store
Scammers contacts	+1-(833)-469-0470, +1-(802)-300-5425
Distribution	Adware, malicious websites, push notifications, social engineering
Damage	Financial loss, data compromise, installation of malicious software
Indicators of the Scam	Alarming pop-up messages with urgent warnings; Fake security warning with error codes; Claims of illegal activities leading to device blockage; Urgent call to action to contact the provided phone number; Poorly designed websites with spelling errors and unprofessional elements
Prevention Tips	Be cautious of unsolicited pop-ups and calls; Do not provide remote access to your device to unknown individuals; Use reliable security software and keep it updated; Educate yourself about common scams and their indicators

How to remove “Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device” pop-ups

If you have encountered “Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device” pop-ups, you should not trust the message and refrain from clicking any buttons or links that appear on the page. Instead, follow the steps below to remove the pop-up and any potential malware from your computer:

To remove “Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device” pop ups, complete the steps below:

1. Close the pop-up
2. Clear your browsing history
3. Disable push notifications
4. Scan your computer for malware
5. Reset your browser settings

Close the pop-up

Closing the pop-up is the first step you should take when dealing with the “Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device” scam. Although it may seem like a simple task, some users may find it challenging, especially if the pop-up is designed to be persistent and difficult to close. This step is crucial because it prevents the user from falling into the trap set by the scammers and clicking on any of the buttons or links that can lead to further harm. In this section, we will provide a detailed guide on how to close the “Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device” pop-up safely and effectively.

1. Don’t click on anything within the pop-up as it could lead to further harm.
2. Look for a small “X” or “Close” button within the pop-up window. Click on it to close the window.
3. If there is no “X” or “Close” button, try pressing the “Esc” key on your keyboard to close the pop-up.
4. If the pop-up still won’t close, try opening your computer’s Task Manager by pressing “Ctrl + Shift + Esc” on your keyboard (or “Ctrl + Alt + Delete” and then select “Task Manager”). Find the browser window that the pop-up is in, right-click on it, and select “End Task” to force close the window.

Clear your browsing history

Clearing your browsing history is an important step in removing “Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device” pop-ups. These pop-ups often come from malicious websites that can be stored in your browsing history.

By clearing your browsing history, you can get rid of any traces of these websites and prevent the pop-ups from reappearing. In this step, we will walk you through how to clear your browsing history on different browsers.

1. Open your browser’s settings or options menu. This can usually be accessed by clicking on the three dots or lines in the top right or left corner of the browser window.
2. Scroll down to the “Privacy & Security” or “History” section of the settings menu.
3. Click on “Clear Browsing Data” or “Clear History” (the wording may vary depending on the browser you are using).
4. In the pop-up window that appears, choose the time range for which you want to clear your browsing history (e.g. “Last hour”, “Last 24 hours”, “All time”, etc.).
5. Make sure that “Browsing history” or “History” is selected as one of the types of data to be cleared.
6. Click on the “Clear Data” or “Clear History” button (the wording may vary depending on the browser you are using).
7. Wait for the browser to finish clearing your browsing history. This may take a few moments, especially if you have a lot of browsing data stored on your computer.
8. Close and restart your browser to ensure that the changes take effect.

Disable push notifications

If you’re experiencing persistent push notifications from websites that are showing “Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device” scams, the best course of action is to disable push notifications altogether. Disabling push notifications prevents malicious websites from showing you unwanted pop-ups and alerts, which can help protect your computer from further harm. In this step, we’ll walk you through the process of disabling push notifications in your web browser.

Google Chrome:

• Click on ‘three dots menu’ button at the top-right corner of the Google Chrome window.
• Select ‘Settings’, scroll down to the bottom and click ‘Advanced’.
• At the ‘Privacy and Security’ section click ‘Site settings’.
• Click on ‘Notifications’.
• Locate the “Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device” site and click the three vertical dots button next to it, then click on ‘Remove’.

Android:

• Open Chrome.
• Tap on the Menu button (three dots) on the top right corner of the screen.
• In the menu tap ‘Settings’, scroll down to ‘Advanced’.
• In the ‘Site Settings’, tap on ‘Notifications’, locate the “Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device” URL and tap on it.
• Tap the ‘Clean & Reset’ button and confirm.

Mozilla Firefox:

• In the top right corner, click the Firefox menu (three bars).
• In the drop-down menu select ‘Options’. In the left side select ‘Privacy & Security’.
• Scroll down to ‘Permissions’ section and click ‘Settings…’ button next to ‘Notifications’.
• Find “Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device”, other suspicious URLs, click the drop-down menu and select ‘Block’.
• Click ‘Save Changes’ button.

Edge:

• Click the More button (three dots) in the top-right corner of the window.
• Scroll down, locate and click ‘Settings’. In the left side select ‘Advanced’.
• In the ‘Website permissions’ section click ‘Manage permissions’.
• Disable the on switch for the “Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device” domain.

Internet Explorer:

• Click the Gear button on the top-right corner of the browser.
• Select ‘Internet options’.
• Click on the ‘Privacy’ tab and select ‘Settings’ in the pop-up blockers section.
• Locate the “Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device” site and click the ‘Remove’ button to delete the site.

Safari:

• Go to ‘Preferences’ in the Safari menu.
• Select the ‘Websites’ tab and then select ‘Notifications’ section on the left panel.
• Find the “Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device” site and select it, click the ‘Deny’ button.

Scan computer for malware

If you have encountered the “Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device” scam, it is possible that your computer has been infected with malware. In order to ensure that your system is completely clean, it is important to perform a thorough scan for malware. This will help to identify any malicious files or programs that may be hiding on your computer and remove them to prevent further damage. In this step, we will guide you through the process of scanning your computer for malware using trusted antivirus software.

Malwarebytes is a reputable anti-malware program that can effectively detect and remove adware, potentially unwanted programs and malware. It has a user-friendly interface and offers both free and paid versions, with the paid version offering real-time protection and other advanced features. To use Malwarebytes to remove malicious software, you can download and install the program, perform a scan of your system, and follow the prompts to remove any detected threats.

Visit the following link and download the latest version of Malwarebytes. Once the download is complete, run the installer and follow the instructions to install the program on your computer.

Open Malwarebytes and click on the “Scan” button. The program will start scanning your computer for any malware or potentially unwanted programs. Depending on the size of your hard drive, this may take a few minutes to complete.

Once the scan is complete, Malwarebytes will display a list of any threats it has found. Review the list carefully and make sure that all the items are checked for removal. Then, click on the “Quarantine” button to remove the threats from your computer. After the removal process is complete, you may be prompted to restart your computer to complete the process.

Please follow this step-by-step video tutorial to learn how to use Malwarebytes to scan and remove any potential threats from your computer. The video will guide you through the entire process, from downloading and installing Malwarebytes to running a scan and removing any identified threats.

Reset your browser settings

If the “Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device” pop-ups persist even after clearing your browsing history, disabling push notifications, and scanning your computer for malware, resetting your browser settings might be the next step to take. Resetting your browser settings can remove any unwanted extensions or changes made to your browser that may be causing the pop-ups to appear. In this step, we will guide you through the process of resetting your browser settings in different popular browsers.

To reset your browser settings in Google Chrome:

1. Open Chrome and click on the three-dot icon in the top-right corner.
2. Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu.
3. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on “Advanced”.
4. Scroll down to the “Reset and cleanup” section and click on “Restore settings to their original defaults”.
5. Click “Reset settings” to confirm.

To reset your browser settings in Mozilla Firefox:

1. Open Firefox and click on the three-line icon in the top-right corner.
2. Select “Help” from the drop-down menu and then click on “Troubleshooting Information”.
3. Click on the “Refresh Firefox” button in the top-right corner.
4. Click “Refresh Firefox” again to confirm.

To reset your browser settings in Microsoft Edge:

1. Open Edge and click on the three-dot icon in the top-right corner.
2. Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu.
3. Scroll down and click on “Reset settings”.
4. Click “Restore settings to their default values”.
5. Click “Reset” to confirm.

After resetting your browser settings, be sure to check for any remaining suspicious extensions and remove them if necessary.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the “Virus Has Been Detected On Your Device” scam and similar deceptive schemes continue to pose a threat to unsuspecting individuals. By understanding the tactics employed by scammers, recognizing the red flags, and taking preventive measures, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.

Remember to be cautious of suspicious pop-ups, unsolicited contact, and requests for personal or financial information. Legitimate companies will not display alarming messages or demand immediate action through aggressive pop-ups. Stay informed about common scams, rely on official support channels, and use reputable security software to safeguard your devices.